Pilot Debrief

AVIAT INC A-1 near Cave Spring, GA — 2021-03-29

Final reportERA21FA165
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Date
2021-03-29
Location
Cave Spring, GA, USA
Aircraft
AVIAT INC A-1
Registration
N800MH
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain clearance from a power line.

NTSB narrative

A witness reported the pilot was circling low over his house and waving at him. The pilot circled for about 5 minutes then departed the area. As he watched the airplane head north, it collided with a power line, resulting in a loss of electrical power to nearby residences and a brush fire. The airplane pitched down abruptly and descended into a ravine where it collided with the ground about 500 ft from the location of the power line. Postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided low circling near power lines.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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