Pilot Debrief

Titan TITAN II near Summerville, OR — 2019-06-05

Final reportWPR19FA159
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Date
2019-06-05
Location
Summerville, OR, USA
Aircraft
Titan TITAN II
Registration
N4362V
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The noncertificated pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The non-certificated pilot was seen by witnesses flying at low altitude, which they described as near treetop and powerline level. One witness reported that the airplane entered a “straight up” climb about 300 ft, then dove to the ground and leveled the airplane about 50 ft above ground; the pilot did this three times before the accident occurred during the fourth maneuver. Another witness reported that, during the last maneuver, at the top of the climb, the airplane aerodynamically stalled, spun to the left, and impacted the ground. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Given the available evidence, it is likely that the pilot exceeded the airplane’s critical angle of attack, and the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall and spin.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot should not have attempted complex maneuvers without proper certification.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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