Pilot Debrief

Commander 114 near Jean, NV — 2018-09-06

Final reportWPR18FA253
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Date
2018-09-06
Location
Jean, NV, USA
Airport
0L7
Aircraft
Commander 114
Registration
N6064C
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain adequate speed while maneuvering at a low attitude during night and entered an aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin.

NTSB narrative

The pilot departed on a personal cross-country flight in night visual meteorological conditions. While approaching and maneuvering to land at the destination airport, the airplane made a right turn consistent with a right base turn to the destination runway. As the airplane began the base-to-final turn, just before entering a small cloud, it entered a steep, nosedown spin. Subsequently, the airplane impacted terrain and a postimpact fire ensued. The airplane damage and ground scars at the accident site were consistent with a near wings-level attitude at the time of impact. Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine revealed no preimpact anomalies or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. It is likely that, while maneuvering to avoid the cloud, the pilot failed to maintain the proper airspeed, which resulted in the airplane entering an accelerated stall.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided entering the cloud during the right turn.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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