Pilot Debrief

Hargett Sky Ranger II near Rock Hill, SC — 2008-10-16

Final reportERA09LA019
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Date
2008-10-16
Location
Rock Hill, SC, USA
Aircraft
Hargett Sky Ranger II
Registration
N75684
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The non-certificated pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and a subsequent impact with the ground. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's lack of training and his impairment due to recent use of marijuana.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident were the pilot's lack of training and his impairment due to recent use of marijuana.

NTSB narrative

While teaching himself to fly, the non-certificated pilot stalled the airplane, which then impacted the ground in a 60-degree, nose-down attitude. Postcrash examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical anomalies. Toxicological testing revealed that the pilot was likely under the influence of marijuana at the time of the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have received proper training before attempting to fly.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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