Pilot Debrief

BROWN JOSEPH B JR RV-6 near Ama, LA — 2009-08-23

Final reportCEN09LA538
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Date
2009-08-23
Location
Ama, LA, USA
Airport
LS40
Aircraft
BROWN JOSEPH B JR RV-6
Registration
N352JB
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was anxious about flying the airplane and had elected to hire a flight instructor for further training. According to a witness, the airplane taxied from the hangar to the end of the runway. The airplane remained at the departure end of the runway for several minutes consistent with performing a before-takeoff check. The airplane initiated a takeoff roll and shortly thereafter veered off of the runway to the left. The airplane then struck several trees head on and was immediately engulfed in flames. An examination of the airplane, engine, and related systems revealed no anomalies that would have affected the takeoff.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot's anxiety about flying should have led to postponing the flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents13

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