Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18 -150 near Tallahassee, FL — 2009-02-01

Final reportERA09LA152
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Date
2009-02-01
Location
Tallahassee, FL, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18 -150
Registration
N2424A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to initiate takeoff in close proximity to other vehicles which were operating on the runway resulting in collision with a vehicle during takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he had previously performed a maneuver where a jeep and motorcycle would depart traveling down the runway, and he would then depart in the same direction and perform a low pass over them. On the day of the accident there was no briefing about the maneuver before the motorcycle, jeep, and he departed. The motorcycle departed first, followed by the jeep with two occupants, and finally the airplane. The pilot stated that he estimated he was flying at 75 mile-per-hour (mph) and the jeep was driving at 35 to 40 mph. He attempted to pass the right side of the jeep, but felt a bump and he knew he had hit the jeep. He also noticed the left wing navigation light was hanging down. He performed a 180-degree turn and landed on the runway, while the jeep veered off the runway and collided with trees. The pilot further reported there was no preimpact failure or malfunction with the flight controls. Toxicology testing performed on specimens obtained from the pilot after the accident was positive for 11-Nor 9 carboxy delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol 8.1 ng/mL, and negative for ethyl alcohol. The finding of carboxy tetrahydrocannabinol was consistent with the pilot having used marijuana within the previous days or weeks but it cannot be concluded that the use was contributory to the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have delayed takeoff due to vehicles on runway.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents12

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