Pilot Debrief

Aero Vodochody L39C near Vernon, TX — 2017-10-08

Final reportCEN18FA004
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Date
2017-10-08
Location
Vernon, TX, USA
Airport
F05
Aircraft
Aero Vodochody L39C
Registration
N580LL
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

An in-flight loss of control and collision with terrain for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot of the jet trainer airplane departed on a local personal flight and flew for about an hour before returning to the airport. Witnesses saw the airplane make a high-speed pass over the runway at low altitude. Some thought the pilot may have been conducting a go-around. The airplane then entered a steep left bank, estimated to vary between 45° and 90°, then impacted the ground. The airplane was destroyed by impact and a postcrash fire, which precluded a thorough examination of its systems, including the flight controls; however, the engine displayed signatures of power production at the time of impact. Toxicology testing and autopsy of the pilot did not detect any impairing substances or identify significant physiological issues that may have resulted in incapacitation. It is likely that the pilot experienced an in-flight loss of control while maneuvering at low altitude; however, the reason for the loss of control could not be determined based on the available information.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided sharp left bank and potential roll attempt.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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