Pilot Debrief

CHAMPION 7GCBC near Surrey, ND — 2009-05-03

Final reportCEN09LA277
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Date
2009-05-03
Location
Surrey, ND, USA
Airport
MOT
Aircraft
CHAMPION 7GCBC
Registration
N5106T
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during an abrupt pull-up maneuver, which resulted in an aerodynammic stall at low altitude.

NTSB narrative

Witnesses stated that the airplane circled a house and descended “close to the ground,” flying at a low altitude along a row of trees. After traveling about one-half mile, the airplane turned right, pitched "upwards and then the nose dipped into the trees.” A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction. The pilot had recently started taking fluoxetine, a prescription antidepressant. The medication was unlikely to have resulted in substantial impairment, but the role of the condition for which the medication was prescribed could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided low altitude maneuvering near trees.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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