Pilot Debrief

ANTONOVICH ANTON B CHALLENGER II near Chugiak, AK — 2008-10-03

Final reportANC09FA003
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Date
2008-10-03
Location
Chugiak, AK, USA
Aircraft
ANTONOVICH ANTON B CHALLENGER II
Registration
N7511J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering, resulting in an in-flight collision with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience.

NTSB narrative

The non-certificated pilot departed on a Title 14, CFR Part 91, local area personal flight in an experimental light sport homebuilt airplane. A witness reported seeing the airplane flying about 100 feet above trees before the engine noise increased, and the nose pitched down. The airplane subsequently descended nose first into dense woods. The pilot’s flight instructor reported to the NTSB that he had given the pilot 19.2 hours of flight instruction, but the pilot had not progressed to a point where he could endorse him for a solo flight. He said that the pilot routinely struggled with pitch control during takeoff, landing, or when engine power was increased or decreased. Examination of the airplane did not disclose any preimpact mechanical malfunction. Given the lack of mechanical deficiencies with the airplane's engine or flight controls, in conjunction with the witness and the flight instructor’s statements, it is likely the pilot failed to adequately maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot should not have attempted solo flight without proper training and inspection.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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