Pilot Debrief

KOLB FIRESTAR near Cleveland, GA — 2022-07-08

Final reportERA22LA301
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Date
2022-07-08
Location
Cleveland, GA, USA
Airport
0GE5
Aircraft
KOLB FIRESTAR
Registration
N6136Y
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane on takeoff for unknown reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was attempting a soft-field takeoff in his light-sport airplane. A review of surveillance video revealed that, as the airplane began its initial climb, the pitch angle increased, and the airplane entered a steep left bank turn. The airplane turned left about 180° and descended behind trees. The airplane collided with a hangar and terrain before it came to rest in the driveway of a residence. The engine sounded normal from the beginning of the takeoff roll until impact. Postaccident examination of the airframe, engine, and propeller revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Review of postaccident medical records, including the autopsy data and toxicology reports, revealed no obvious medical issues that would have contributed to the accident. As such, the reason for the pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane on takeoff was not determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided steep left bank turn during initial climb.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 7 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents7

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