Pilot Debrief

FAIRCHILD M-62 near Madrid, IA — 2011-08-13

Final reportCEN11LA569
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Date
2011-08-13
Location
Madrid, IA, USA
Aircraft
FAIRCHILD M-62
Registration
N53956
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to conduct low-level flight along a river, which resulted in a collision with power lines.

NTSB narrative

Witnesses observed the accident airplane flying low along a river. A witness located near the accident site reported that the airplane struck power lines suspended above the river. The airplane subsequently impacted a sandbar along the river. The postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction. Toxicological testing revealed the presence of a medication commonly prescribed for depressive illness. In addition, the pilot had been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. However, it was not possible to determine the level of medication present or the extent that fatigue might have affected the pilot, if at all, during the accident flight.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided flying low over power lines near the river.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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