Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 320D near Fallon, NV — 2009-05-23

Final reportWPR09FA258
Sign in to save
Date
2009-05-23
Location
Fallon, NV, USA
Airport
FLX
Aircraft
CESSNA 320D
Registration
N320KP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
4
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

Witnesses reported seeing the airplane approach the airport from the southwest and cross near mid-field to enter the left traffic pattern for landing. Witnesses observed the airplane make a right 270-degree turn to enter on the downwind and, after becoming established on the downwind, make a sharp left turn and descend out of sight near a point consistent with a turn to a close-in base leg. Witnesses then reported seeing a fireball erupt in the area of the accident site. On the downwind leg, at a radar-recorded ground speed of 93 to 106 knots, the airplane's indicated airspeed could have been between 71 and 81 knots, which is in the range of potential stall speeds. Ground scar and wreckage signatures were consistent with a nose-low and left-wing-low ground impact. The witness observations and the impact attitude could be consistent with a stall and loss of control. No anomalies or other conditions were found with either engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not refuel auxiliary tanks, leading to fuel starvation during landing approach.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ATC audio
  • 21 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents21

Related mishaps