Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 11 near Arcanum, OH — 2016-09-14

Final reportCEN16FA370
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Date
2016-09-14
Location
Arcanum, OH, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA 11
Registration
N4910M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The student pilot's reckless flying attitude and use of multiple psychoactive drugs, which likely impaired his ability to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.

NTSB narrative

Although federal regulations do not allow a student pilot to carry passengers, the student pilot and a passenger departed from a private airstrip on a personal flight in the airplane. During the flight, the passenger posted on social media a video that showed the airplane maneuvering at low altitude. The airplane subsequently impacted a cornfield at high speed. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Toxicology testing of specimens from the student pilot indicated the use of multiple psychoactive drugs, including alprazolam, cocaine, ethanol, and hydroxyzine. The combined effects of these drugs likely impaired his ability to safely perform low-altitude maneuvers.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Student pilot should not have flown with passengers due to regulations.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 9 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents9

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