Pilot Debrief

Rans, Inc. Rans S-6ES near Lajas, PR — 2008-06-22

Final reportNYC08LA225
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Date
2008-06-22
Location
Lajas, PR, USA
Airport
NONE
Aircraft
Rans, Inc. Rans S-6ES
Registration
N131PR
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin.

NTSB narrative

The non-certificated pilot/owner and his passenger were returning to a private farm from a local flight. The pilot performed a "low speed, low altitude pass" over several witnesses gathered at the farm. When the airplane was about 1 mile from the road where the pilot intended to land, the airplane entered a steep left turn, and then stalled and spun to the ground from an altitude of approximately 200 feet. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal evidence of any mechanical deficiencies. The airplane was at least 72 pounds over the 1,100 pound maximum gross weight at the time of the accident. Additionally, the pilot had substantial risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (marked obesity and evidence of poorly controlled high blood pressure), had recently taken a prescription sleep aid, and was taking a prescription weight loss product. Given these factors, the pilot's decision making may have been impaired by fatigue, or by the effects of the medications. However, the investigation was unable to verify whether the pilot was impaired during the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot should not have performed low speed, low altitude pass over the group.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents10

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