Pilot Debrief

STUTESMAN CHARLES LEE RV-6 near Balmorhea, TX — 2010-04-04

Final reportCEN10LA184
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Date
2010-04-04
Location
Balmorhea, TX, USA
Aircraft
STUTESMAN CHARLES LEE RV-6
Registration
N4024K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the lake while maneuvering at low altitude.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was enroute to an unknown destination and was overflying a lake. The airplane was observed flying from the west at a low altitude and slow airspeed before beginning a left-hand turn toward the north. Witnesses observed the airplane descend in the left turn until the left wing tip contacted the water; the airplane subsequently impacted the lake. The airplane's right wing was not recovered from the lake. All other flight control surfaces and the engine were recovered and examined. No preimpact anomalies were detected with the airframe or the engine.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided low altitude flight near the lake.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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