Pilot Debrief

THRUSH AIRCRAFT INC S2R-H80 near Bryan, TX — 2012-04-25

Final reportCEN12LA260
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Date
2012-04-25
Location
Bryan, TX, USA
Aircraft
THRUSH AIRCRAFT INC S2R-H80
Registration
N510KW
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's diverted attention, which resulted in a loss of control while maneuvering the airplane at a low altitude.

NTSB narrative

While maneuvering at a low altitude, the pilot attempted to retrieve a coffee cup that had become loose and was rolling around on the cockpit floor, and the airplane entered a nose-down descent. The pilot attempted to arrest the descent, but he did not have sufficient altitude to regain control of the airplane before it impacted the ground. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have secured the cup before it rolled around the cockpit.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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