Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18-150 near Forsyth, MT — 2011-08-18

Final reportWPR11FA390
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Date
2011-08-18
Location
Forsyth, MT, USA
Airport
MLS
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18-150
Registration
N7666D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in a stall/mush, loss of control, and impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The operator reported that the pilot and passenger were going to survey a prairie dog town and take pictures. Hunters in the accident area observed the airplane fly overhead and descend below mountainous terrain while in a turn. The airplane crashed in an open field. The airplane damage and the ground scars at the accident site were consistent with the airplane being in a stalled condition at the time of the accident. The pilot likely failed to maintain adequate airspeed as he was increasing the bank angle to maintain visual reference to the ground, which resulted in a stall/mush, loss of control, and collision with terrain. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided descending below mountain tops.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents13

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