Pilot Debrief

EXTRA 300/LT near Adrian, OR — 2013-06-23

Final reportWPR13LA283
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Date
2013-06-23
Location
Adrian, OR, USA
Aircraft
EXTRA 300/LT
Registration
N169TM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to conduct low-level maneuvering in a river canyon with power lines, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from the power lines.

NTSB narrative

Witnesses reported that they observed the airplane flying at a low level through a river canyon—one witness stated it was following the canyon's contours—and then colliding with a marked power line strung across the river. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground. Scratch marks from the wire were observed on the left wing. First responders reported that the pilot was in the rear seat, which might have hampered his forward visibility and led to his failure to see the power lines. The toxicological report identified the presence of ramipril and atorvastatin in the pilot's urine; however, neither of these medications are impairing. The toxicology testing also detected a very low level of morphine in the pilot's urine, which indicates that he had used a medication containing an opioid within a few days of the accident. However, because it was no longer detectable in the blood, it is not likely that the pilot was impaired by the medication at the time of the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided power lines by not initiating a climb in the canyon.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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