Pilot Debrief

GIBSON MARK MANTA 503 near Magnolia, TX — 2009-12-13

Final reportCEN10LA074
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Date
2009-12-13
Location
Magnolia, TX, USA
Aircraft
GIBSON MARK MANTA 503
Registration
N193AW
Category
Trike
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a static wire while maneuvering and his improper decision to fly with a low overcast sky.

NTSB narrative

While maneuvering near his home, the sport pilot decided to find a landing area near his house to wait out deteriorating weather. After selecting a potential parking lot, the pilot elected to perform a low pass to see if the area was suitable for landing. While approaching the far end of the parking lot the pilot observed power lines running perpendicular to his flight path. During an attempt to fly under the wires, the weight-shift trike impacted a static wire and subsequently the ground. An automated weather observing system 19 nautical miles northeast from the site of the accident, was reporting an overcast ceiling at 300 feet around the time of the accident. There were no reported anomalies with the trike's flight control system. Due to the pilot's injuries, he was unable to submit a NTSB 6120.1 accident reporting form.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
VFR into IMC
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen not to fly in deteriorating weather conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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