Pilot Debrief

KENNEDY LANCAIR 320 near Hubbard, OR — 2010-11-29

Final reportWPR11LA064
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Date
2010-11-29
Location
Hubbard, OR, USA
Airport
7S9
Aircraft
KENNEDY LANCAIR 320
Registration
N42BK
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The loss of control during takeoff for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment from an over-the-counter sedating medication.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment from an over-the-counter sedating medication.

NTSB narrative

After what appeared to be a normal takeoff roll and liftoff, the airplane flew about half way down the runway before its pitch attitude increased slightly and it began to roll to nearly 90 degrees of bank. Witnesses stated that, at that point, there was a smooth but significant reduction in engine power. The airplane then descended into the terrain with the landing gear still fully extended. A postacccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of a flight control system anomaly or malfunction. The pilot, who did not possess a valid Federal Aviation Administration medical certificate, had a history of progressive coronary artery disease and aviation-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Post-mortem toxicology testing was consistent with a recent ingestion of a sedating over-the-counter antihistamine. Witness descriptions of the accident are potentially consistent with an incapacitating cardiac event, sudden psychological symptoms related to PTSD, or interference by the pilot’s dog (who was sitting in the passenger seat) with the aircraft controls. It is likely that the pilot was impaired by his recent use of the over-the-counter medication and that his response to an undetermined unexpected event was adversely affected by such impairment.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have pursued FAA medical certification after denial.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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