Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-180 near Osborn, MO — 2012-02-14

Final reportCEN12FA158
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Date
2012-02-14
Location
Osborn, MO, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-180
Registration
N4824L
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to conduct low-level passes above a residence and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude.

NTSB narrative

The airplane was observed making two low-level (just above tree level) passes in front of a witness’s house. The witness made a video recording of the first pass. She reported seeing and hearing the airplane strike trees on the second pass before impacting the ground. An on-scene examination revealed airplane and tree damage consistent with the witness’s description of events. Examination of the airplane’s wreckage revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided low-level maneuvering near trees.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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