Pilot Debrief

ALEXANDER RV-7 near Seabeck, WA — 2015-01-26

Final reportWPR15LA092
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Date
2015-01-26
Location
Seabeck, WA, USA
Aircraft
ALEXANDER RV-7
Registration
N747BA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane impacted water, and the majority of the wreckage was not recovered.

NTSB narrative

A witness located near the accident site reported observing an airplane "spinning out of control" as it descended toward the water and breaking apart as it descended out of sight behind a stand of trees. Some wreckage debris consistent with the accident airplane was found floating on the water's surface; however, the majority of the wreckage was not located. Review of recorded radar data showed the airplane departing and then climbing to cruise altitude. The data then showed the airplane descend and climb twice. The last recorded radar target was located at 7,000 ft about 1 mile southwest of the recovered debris. The reason for the loss of control could not be determined because of the limited amount of wreckage that was recovered.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after initial climb issues were observed.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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