Pilot Debrief

AERONCA 7EC near Cordele, GA — 2014-10-16

Final reportERA15FA017
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Date
2014-10-16
Location
Cordele, GA, USA
Airport
CKF
Aircraft
AERONCA 7EC
Registration
N946DR
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

An in-flight loss of control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

NTSB narrative

After a planned refueling stop, the pilot taxied to a runway intersection and began his takeoff roll. Witnesses reported that when the airplane was about 200 feet above ground level, it entered a gradual left turn, which progressed into a steep left turn. The airplane lost altitude during a 180 degree turn and then impacted the ground. An examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot's autopsy noted mild coronary atherosclerosis; however, it is unlikely that this would have resulted in preaccident incapacitation of the pilot.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after initial climb issues became apparent.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents15

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