Pilot Debrief

BOWIE RICHARD SONERAI II near Dudley, MO — 2011-07-09

Final reportCEN11FA469
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Date
2011-07-09
Location
Dudley, MO, USA
Aircraft
BOWIE RICHARD SONERAI II
Registration
N113RB
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1

Probable cause

Fuel starvation due to the pilot’s improper fuel management and his decision to conduct the flight while under the influence of marijuana.

NTSB narrative

The airplane impacted an open farm field in a left-wing-low, nose-down attitude. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane's fuel tank was found empty, and only the fuel gascolator contained fuel. No fuel smell was detected in the soil beneath the airplane or engine. Toxicological samples indicated that the pilot had recently used marijuana. The detected levels of the drug and its metabolite indicated that the pilot was likely impaired by its use at the time of the accident. On the basis of the available information, it is likely that the pilot flew the airplane until it ran out of fuel and then attempted a forced landing.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen not to fly under the influence of marijuana.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents16

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