Pilot Debrief

Aviat A1 near Ennis, MT — 2019-07-17

Final reportGAA19CA432
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Date
2019-07-17
Location
Ennis, MT, USA
Aircraft
Aviat A1
Registration
N137C
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while turning at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's distraction due to looking at wildlife.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was conducting an aerial survey to spot bears. After spotting bears, he flew multiple low-altitude passes to maintain sight of the bears. While maneuvering uphill at a low altitude, his attention was drawn to the bears and away from terrain. When he regained focus, he decided to turn the airplane right, away from rising terrain, but about 90º into the turn, the airplane descended and impacted terrain, and a postcrash fire ensued. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot added that he should have let the observer observe the bears during the low passes.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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