Pilot Debrief

NANCHANG CHINA CJ-6A near Walsenburg, CO — 2012-07-21

Final reportCEN12FA462
Sign in to save
Date
2012-07-21
Location
Walsenburg, CO, USA
Airport
4V1
Aircraft
NANCHANG CHINA CJ-6A
Registration
N96YK
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while turning from base to final leg in the traffic pattern.

NTSB narrative

Witnesses observed the airplane as it entered the downwind leg of the traffic pattern and saw the landing gear and flaps configured for landing. They stated that the airplane's airspeed appeared to slow as the airplane turned right toward the runway. According to the witnesses, during the turn, the airplane's bank angle and roll rate increased and directional control of the airplane was lost. The airplane entered a nose-low spiral and rapidly descended. Based on the witness reports of the airplane’s steep bank angle and low altitude, it is likely the airplane stalled during the turn from base-to-final leg in the traffic pattern, and the pilot was unable to regain control before it impacted terrain. A postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the approach when airspeed decreased during the turn.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents11

Related mishaps