Pilot Debrief

CHAMPION 7ECA near Lake Elsinore, CA — 2009-06-17

Final reportWPR09LA293
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Date
2009-06-17
Location
Lake Elsinore, CA, USA
Airport
AJO
Aircraft
CHAMPION 7ECA
Registration
N8339V
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2

Probable cause

A loss of airplane control for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot's spouse reported that the pilot and his friend were planning to fly to a local airport for lunch and then return back to his home airport. The airplane was found later that night in hilly terrain; there were no witnesses. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness inspector responded to the accident site and reported that the airplane came to rest inverted on sloping terrain. The entire wreckage was present at the accident site, and the inspector was able to establish flight control continuity. Both wings showed similar leading to trailing edge crush damage and the empennage and tail were bent over the cockpit area, consistent with the airplane having stalled prior to impacting the ground. The reported weather in the area at the time was generally clear skies with wind from the northwest about 10 knots. A postaccident engine inspection revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after initial signs of trouble.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents12

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