Pilot Debrief

SMITH AEROSTAR 601P near Aurora, CO — 2014-03-19

Final reportCEN14FA163
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Date
2014-03-19
Location
Aurora, CO, USA
Aircraft
SMITH AEROSTAR 601P
Registration
N90464
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's operation of the airplane while intoxicated, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.

NTSB narrative

The pilot's friend reported that the pilot planned to fly his recently purchased twin-engine airplane over his friend's home to show it to him and another friend. The pilot's friends and several other witnesses reported observing the pilot performing low-level, high-speed aerobatic maneuvers before the airplane collided with trees and then terrain. A 1.75-liter bottle of whiskey was found in the airplane wreckage. A review of the pilot's Federal Aviation Administration medical records revealed that he had a history of alcohol dependence but had reportedly been sober for almost 4 years. Toxicological testing revealed that the pilot had a blood alcohol content of 0.252 milligrams of alcohol per deciliter of blood, which was over six times the limit (0.040) Federal Aviation Regulations allowed for pilots operating an aircraft.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen not to perform low level aerobatics over residential area.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents10

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