Pilot Debrief

Antares MA-33 near Centerburg, OH — 2009-07-15

Final reportCEN09LA440
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Date
2009-07-15
Location
Centerburg, OH, USA
Airport
OH71
Aircraft
Antares MA-33
Registration
N6405
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed resulting in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

A witness reported that the pilot departed from the grass airstrip in the weight-shift controlled aircraft about three minutes prior to the accident. He reported that the aircraft was about 100 - 150 feet above ground level. He stated, “The plane seemed to go up and then the left wing dipped, and then the airplane spiraled to the ground.” He reported that the engine was running. The impact damage to the aircraft was consistent with a steep, nose down attitude. The inspection of the aircraft’s weight-shift control system revealed no preexisting anomalies. The inspection of the aircraft logbook indicated that the last conditional maintenance inspection was conducted on December 15, 2006. A review of the aircraft experimental operating limitations as of August 28, 2005, item #18, stated that, “No person shall operate this aircraft unless the preceding twelve calendar months it has had a conditional inspection performed, and recorded in the aircraft maintenance records.”

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Completion of the conditional inspection was not recorded before the flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents17

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