Pilot Debrief

US LIGHT AIRCRAFT CORP HORNET near Mont Belvieu, TX — 2012-10-28

Final reportCEN13LA034
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Date
2012-10-28
Location
Mont Belvieu, TX, USA
Aircraft
US LIGHT AIRCRAFT CORP HORNET
Registration
N2482J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate airspeed management while maneuvering in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the airplane’s low altitude, which did not allow for a stall recovery.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the airplane’s low altitude, which did not allow for a stall recovery.

NTSB narrative

A witness observed the airplane flying low over a field and reported that the occupants smiled and waved to him. The witness, who was driving a tractor, estimated that the airplane’s airspeed was about 40 mph, which was near the airplane’s reported stall speed. The witness observed the airplane maneuver over power lines before it descended to the terrain. A postimpact fire ensued and consumed most of the fuselage and left wing. At the time of the accident, wind was reported as gusty. An examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact anomalies which would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. The airplane’s maneuver over power lines at a slow speed in gusty wind conditions is consistent with an aerodynamic stall; however, the airplane’s low altitude did not allow for a stall recovery.

Analysis

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

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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