Pilot Debrief

AERO ADVENTURE ZEPHYR II near Sylacauga, AL — 2011-09-18

Final reportERA11LA496
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Date
2011-09-18
Location
Sylacauga, AL, USA
Airport
SCD
Aircraft
AERO ADVENTURE ZEPHYR II
Registration
N3577F
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's incapacitation due to a heart attack during takeoff, which led to an in-flight loss of airplane control.

NTSB narrative

During climb after takeoff, the experimental light sport airplane made an extreme right bank and descended nose-down into a grassy area adjacent to the runway. Although the pilot had recently modified the elevator trim, the in-flight upset was not a pitch upset, and examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The pilot's most recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) third-class medical certificate was issued about 8 years prior to the accident. A few months before the accident, the pilot had applied for another FAA third-class medical certificate; however, it was deferred by the FAA due to the pilot’s history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, lymphoma, and diabetes. The pilot's autopsy subsequently revealed that he suffered a fatal heart attack during the attempted takeoff.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot failed to install elevator trim tab extension before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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