Pilot Debrief

T BIRD T BIRD II near Carlock, IL — 2009-04-15

Final reportCEN09LA265
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Date
2009-04-15
Location
Carlock, IL, USA
Aircraft
T BIRD T BIRD II
Registration
N154ZX
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to gain sufficient altitude during the takeoff in order to avoid contacting the cameraman. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience.

NTSB narrative

The airplane was taking off at an airspeed of 40 miles per hour when the right main landing gear contacted a cameraman who was sitting on the grass airstrip. The cameraman, who was seriously injured, was going to film the light sport airplane as it took off and flew directly over him. The uncertificated pilot stated that he was not able to gain sufficient altitude to avoid contacting the cameraman. The pilot purchased the airplane approximately 2 months prior to the accident. His logbook showed 2 entries for a total of 3.3 hours of dual flight time in another make and model airplane.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot should not have attempted takeoff without a pilot certificate.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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