Pilot Debrief

ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL S 2R near Brawley, CA — 2016-06-29

Final reportWPR16LA137
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Date
2016-06-29
Location
Brawley, CA, USA
Airport
BWC
Aircraft
ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL S 2R
Registration
N4952X
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The airplane’s inability to climb and subsequent impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot was departing on an agricultural application flight. After climbing to between 100 and 125 ft above ground level, he reduced engine power in order not to exceed red line. Soon after, the airplane stopped climbing and began to descend. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot initiated a forced landing, during which the right wing impacted terrain and the landing gear collapsed. A postaccident examination revealed no preimpact anomalies with the engine or airplane systems that would have precluded normal operation. A weight and balance calculation determined that the airplane was operating within its weight and balance limitations at the time of the accident. The reason for the airplane's inability to climb could not be determined based on the available information.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have dumped chemical load to reduce weight during initial climb.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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