Pilot Debrief

CAPRA, SALVATORE O AVENTURA 2 near Des Allemands, LA — 2009-04-22

Final reportCEN09LA262
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Date
2009-04-22
Location
Des Allemands, LA, USA
Aircraft
CAPRA, SALVATORE O AVENTURA 2
Registration
N912SC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to achieve adequate altitude and airspeed before beginning a downwind turn after takeoff.

NTSB narrative

A witness observed the airplane flying in the area of the accident about one hour before landing on the water. The non-seaplane-rated pilot tried to taxi the airplane to a nearby pier, but was unable due to winds in the area. After about 15 minutes the witness observed the airplane take off and begin a left, downwind turn in 20- to 30-degree bank, and at an altitude of about 100 feet. Shortly after starting the turn the airplane began to descend, hitting trees and impacting the ground. The witness described the engine as running normally and the winds as 10 to 20 miles per hour and gusty.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the takeoff due to high winds and lack of seaplane rating.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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