Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 28RT-201T near Brighton, CO — 2015-01-11

Final reportCEN15FA101
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Date
2015-01-11
Location
Brighton, CO, USA
Airport
CO12
Aircraft
PIPER PA 28RT-201T
Registration
N82828
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's intentional descent into the terrain.

NTSB narrative

Witnesses reported observing the pilot taxi the airplane from inside his hangar and depart. For several minutes, the airplane maneuvered at a low altitude and high airspeed. Witnesses then observed the airplane make a steep bank turn, descend, and impact terrain about 5 miles east of the departure airport. The pilot's wife had reported to local law enforcement that she believed he had committed suicide. The pilot's wife reported that she had recently informed him that she wanted a divorce and was purchasing another home. She added that, about 5 years earlier, the pilot had told her that, if she ever left him, he would fly his airplane into the ground and kill himself. Although the wreckage was significantly fragmented, no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airframe or engine were noted that would have precluded normal operation. The medical examiner determined that the pilot's manner of death was "suicide."

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen not to fly after personal issues arose.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents12

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