Pilot Debrief

Czech Aircraft Works SPOL SRO Sportcruiser near Arlington, WA — 2011-05-14

Final reportWPR11LA223
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Date
2011-05-14
Location
Arlington, WA, USA
Airport
AWO
Aircraft
Czech Aircraft Works SPOL SRO Sportcruiser
Registration
N282SC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control during the takeoff climb, which resulted in a stall at low altitude and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impaired performance from over-the-counter medications.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impaired performance from over-the-counter medications.

NTSB narrative

A witness reported that he saw the airplane take off and noted that, from its liftoff point, about 3,800 feet of runway remained. The airplane was 50 to 75 feet above the ground and was oscillating. Although the engine sounded very smooth, it did not sound as if it was running at takeoff rpm. The airplane then pitched up and down several times, rolled left, stalled, and impacted the ground. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Oxazepam (a prescription benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, muscle spasm, and insomnia) was found in the pilot's blood; however, the amount of oxazepam found was unlikely to have affected his performance. The amount of Benadryl (a nonprescription sedating antihistamine) found in the pilot's blood was in the therapeutic range, suggesting recent use. Diphenhydramine has been found to cause more performance degradation in therapeutic doses than a low dose of alcohol. It is likely that the diphenhydramine impaired the pilot's performance and contributed to the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff due to poor climb performance and excessive nose high attitude.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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