Pilot Debrief

LARSON RV8 near Sequim, WA — 2010-01-08

Final reportWPR10LA103
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Date
2010-01-08
Location
Sequim, WA, USA
Airport
W28
Aircraft
LARSON RV8
Registration
N747CL
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering in the traffic pattern, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

The purpose of the flight was to complete a flight review for the owner of the airplane. According to witnesses near the accident site, the airplane had joined the right downwind leg of the traffic pattern for the runway when it subsequently began a steep 60- to 90-degree bank to the right. After completing about one full circle, the airplane banked back to the left, pitched nose-down, and impacted terrain. The wreckage came to rest in a plowed field 1/4 mile north of the airport. Weather observations in the area during the time of the accident indicated wind from the northwest at 4 knots, visibility 10 miles and an overcast ceiling at 700 feet. Examination of the wreckage revealed extensive impact damage throughout the airframe. The forward section of the fuselage, cockpit area and associated instrumentation, were crushed aft to the main wing spar; the wreckage signatures and damage were consistent with a stall and/or spin. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of a system malfunction or failure prior to the impact.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided steep bank turn during maneuvering.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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