Pilot Debrief

DUKE PAUL Challenger II near Lumberton, MS — 2009-09-24

Final reportERA09LA536
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Date
2009-09-24
Location
Lumberton, MS, USA
Aircraft
DUKE PAUL Challenger II
Registration
N4340D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The non-certificated pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during a go-around procedure for unknown reasons.

NTSB narrative

A witness observed the non-certificated pilot attempt to land the experimental amateur-built airplane two to three times, but each time as the airplane approached the engine power increased as the plane circled around for another attempt. On the last landing attempt and go-around, the witness did not hear the same engine power increase. He saw the left main landing gear strike a tree top, and the airplane banked to the left, diving into the trees. The airplane was found inverted in a wooded area, with the propeller splintered down to the hub. The wreckage was partially consumed by a postcrash fire. An examination of the wreckage did not reveal any anomalies with the airframe or engine, though control continuity could not be established. No aircraft maintenance records, current registration, or pilot logs were found. A relative reported that the pilot had been involved in an incident in the airplane 2 months prior to the accident, after which he had replaced the climb performance three-blade composite propeller with a cruise performance two-blade wooden propeller.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted landing attempts earlier to avoid the accident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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