Pilot Debrief

HALL, WENDALL W HARMON ROCKET II near Cheraw, SC — 2016-03-24

Final reportERA16LA139
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Date
2016-03-24
Location
Cheraw, SC, USA
Aircraft
HALL, WENDALL W HARMON ROCKET II
Registration
N729PS
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to fly at low altitude, which resulted in a collision with power lines.

NTSB narrative

The airline transport pilot was conducting a local flight in his experimental, amateur-built airplane. Several witnesses observed, and GPS data confirmed, that the accident airplane flew a significant portion of the 38-minute flight at low altitude, at least twice flying as low as 50 ft above ground level. The airplane subsequently collided with power lines that spanned the river. Examination of the wreckage and review of engine monitor data did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. Toxicology testing of the pilot revealed the presence of a muscle relaxant with potential mental and physical impairing side effects; however, the levels of the drug or its effect on the pilot's decision-making could not be determined based on the available information.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided low-level flight near power lines.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • FDR / data
  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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