Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 182E near Delta, CO — 2013-11-29

Final reportCEN14FA071
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Date
2013-11-29
Location
Delta, CO, USA
Airport
KAJZ
Aircraft
CESSNA 182E
Registration
N3087Y
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The student pilot’s decision to attempt flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and ground impact.

NTSB narrative

The solo student pilot departed from an uncontrolled airport to rendezvous with an examiner for his private pilot practical test. Weather conditions at the departure airport were overcast clouds at 600 feet and 4 miles visibility. After takeoff, the airplane impacted terrain about 2 miles from the departure end of the runway, on the extended runway centerline. The debris field was consistent with a high speed impact at a flat pitch attitude. The student pilot most likely attempted to climb through the overcast clouds and lost control, then exited the clouds in a steep dive and was attempting to recover from the dive as the airplane impacted the ground. The primary flight instructor stated the student pilot had a "go-go-go" type personality and led a fast-paced life with his business. He intended to use the airplane for his business. Further, the student pilot was concerned about getting his examination done before the airplane's annual inspection. The flight instructor subsequently learned that the student pilot was under additional personal and business stressors. The student pilot's decision to depart into poor weather conditions was most likely influenced by these life stressors, both self-imposed and external. The student pilot had 0.6 flight hours of simulated instrument training recorded in his logbook, as opposed to the Federal Aviation Administration requirement of 3 flight hours for the private pilot practical test.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
VFR into IMC
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have delayed departure due to cloud deck at KAJZ.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents13

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