Pilot Debrief

CESSNA U206G near Elizabethton, TN — 2009-10-22

Final reportERA10FA027
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Date
2009-10-22
Location
Elizabethton, TN, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA U206G
Registration
N120MS
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to remain clear of rising terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.

Contributing factors

Findings Personnel issues (general) - Pilot Personnel issues Monitoring environment - Pilot Environmental issues Mountainous/hilly terrain - Contributed to outcome

NTSB narrative

Shortly after takeoff, on a training flight to conduct terrain following maneuvers at low altitude and maximum gross weight, the airplane collided with trees on a mountain side. The airplane impacted at 3,761 feet above mean sea level on a 6,285-foot mountain peak. Although the airplane was nearly consumed by a post-crash fire, a postaccident examination of the engine and airframe found no mechanical anomalies that would have prevented the normal operation of the airplane. There were no witnesses to the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilots could have chosen to avoid low altitude terrain following maneuvers.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 13 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents13

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