Pilot Debrief

NORTH WING SCOUT X-C near Waterville, WA — 2012-11-08

Final reportWPR13FA036
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Date
2012-11-08
Location
Waterville, WA, USA
Aircraft
NORTH WING SCOUT X-C
Registration
N467XW
Category
Trike
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in a stall and subsequent spin from which he was unable to recover.

NTSB narrative

During the flight, the student pilot was seated in the forward seat of the light sport airplane, and a pilot-rated passenger was seated in the aft seat, which was not equipped with flight controls. The student pilot was maneuvering the airplane over open terrain about 300 to 400 feet above the ground. A witness reported seeing the airplane turn left and then spin. The airplane continued spinning until it impacted terrain. Examination of the recovered airframe, engine, and flight control system components revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. It is likely that the student pilot inadvertently entered a stall and subsequent spin while maneuvering from which he was unable to recover. The Pilot's Operating Handbook for the airplane stated that "deliberate spins and severe spiral turns are prohibited."

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided the spin by not entering a left turn at low altitude.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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