Pilot Debrief

Tandem Air-Bike near Warrensburg, MO — 2021-10-03

Final reportCEN22LA001
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Date
2021-10-03
Location
Warrensburg, MO, USA
Airport
RCM
Aircraft
Tandem Air-Bike
Registration
UNREG
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The improper judgment of both pilots to attempt a flight while impaired by drugs/medications and their failure to maintain control of the aircraft, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The uncertificated pilot, who recently purchased the aircraft, and a pilot who did not hold a flight instructor certificate, as required, departed on the accident flight so that the uncertificated pilot could learn to fly the aircraft. The aircraft did not have a required registration and airworthiness certificate. A witness stated the aircraft wing dropped while turning. It then entered a descent and impacted the ground. The engine continued to operate during the flight. The left-wing drop followed by a descent was consistent with an aerodynamic stall. Postaccident examination of the flight controls confirmed flight control continuity. Toxicology tests revealed the front seat uncertificated pilot had high levels of methamphetamine in cavity blood and liver, most likely consistent with recent use, which likely resulted in some impairment. The rear seat pilot had a therapeutic level of oxycodone in his subclavian blood as well as a high level in his gastric fluid with only metabolite in gastric fluid, suggesting recent ingestion of the drug. He too, was likely impaired to some extent from his use of this drug. Although both pilots were likely impaired by their use of substances, whether that impairment directly contributed to the circumstances of this accident could not be determined. The root issue in this case was the decision by each occupant to get in the aircraft and attempt to fly it when they lacked the skills and qualifications to safely do so.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
The front seat pilot should not have attempted to fly without certification.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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