Pilot Debrief

Neefjes Lancair 360 MK-II near Milford, UT — 2011-02-27

Final reportWPR11FA147
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Date
2011-02-27
Location
Milford, UT, USA
Aircraft
Neefjes Lancair 360 MK-II
Registration
N989TT
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation after inadvertently entering instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's inadequate preflight preparation, his en route decision-making, and his distraction due to a partial loss of engine power due to a restriction in a fuel injection nozzle.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident were the pilot's inadequate preflight preparation, his en route decision-making, and his distraction due to a partial loss of engine power due to a restriction in a fuel injection nozzle.

NTSB narrative

The pilot, who was not instrument rated, intended to fly to his destination while remaining in visual meteorological conditions (VMC). While en route, he entered an area where the clouds started to close in on him. Although the air traffic controller whom he was communicating with advised the pilot that there was an airport with VMC a short distance behind him, the pilot elected to attempt to proceed to his destination. As he continued, weather conditions became such that the pilot elected to land at an alternate airport. While being vectored to the alternate airport, the airplane's engine began to run rough, which, according to recorded engine analyzer data, was due to a restriction of the fuel flow in the orifice of the no. 1 cylinder injector nozzle. While attempting to deal with the rough running engine and maneuvering toward the alternate airport, the pilot inadvertently entered the clouds, and most likely lost control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation. The airplane then descended near vertically into the terrain. There was no record of the pilot receiving a weather briefing either from an FAA-contracted Flight Service Station or from either Direct User Access Terminal Service (DUATS) provider.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not file a flight plan or obtain a weather briefing before departure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ATC audio
  • FDR / data
  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 30 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents30

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