Pilot Debrief

S C AEROSTAR S A YAK 52TW near Advance, IN — 2015-04-03

Final reportCEN15FA194
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Date
2015-04-03
Location
Advance, IN, USA
Aircraft
S C AEROSTAR S A YAK 52TW
Registration
N555GD
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of airplane control while maneuvering for reasons that could not be determined because an examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any preimpact abnormalities.

NTSB narrative

Radar data showed the airplane maneuvering in visual meteorological conditions before radar contact was lost. Although the radar data showed the accident flight's ground track, altitude information was not available for the maneuvering portion of the flight for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane's transponder was destroyed. There were no witnesses to the accident. Examination of the accident site indicated a high-airspeed, near-vertical impact with terrain consistent with a loss of airplane control. Although the wreckage was significantly fragmented, no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airframe or engine were noted that would have precluded normal operation. No medical issues were identified with the pilot that would have contributed to the accident. The reason for the loss of control could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided excessive maneuvers leading to loss of control.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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