Pilot Debrief

TAYLORCRAFT DCO-65 near Boyne City, MI — 2011-07-16

Final reportCEN11FA480
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Date
2011-07-16
Location
Boyne City, MI, USA
Airport
N98
Aircraft
TAYLORCRAFT DCO-65
Registration
N50408
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain airplane control while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in a stall/spin and impact with the terrain.

NTSB narrative

Witnesses saw the airplane flying southbound between their location and the airport's runway. The engine sounded normal and was "not running rough," and the airplane's altitude was between 50 and 75 feet above ground level. One witness stated that the airplane started a left turn and then abruptly pulled up, possibly reacting to a set of nearby power lines. The airplane entered a spin and impacted the road in a nearly vertical, nose-down attitude. The postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no preexisting anomalies that could be associated with a preimpact condition. The propeller exhibited characteristics indicative of engine power at impact. The pilot had medical conditions that included atrial fibrillation, some degree of bradycardia, depression, and the use of multiple potentially sedating medications. While the pilot was likely medically impaired to some extent, the investigation was unable to determine if that impairment played a role to the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided low altitude maneuvering near power lines.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents25

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