Pilot Debrief

PIPER AIRCRAFT INC PA-28-181 near Buxton, ND — 2021-10-19

Final reportCEN22FA017
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Date
2021-10-19
Location
Buxton, ND, USA
Aircraft
PIPER AIRCRAFT INC PA-28-181
Registration
N820ND
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The pilot’s intentional flight into terrain as an act of suicide.

NTSB narrative

The pilot departed on a night cross-country flight. Flight track data showed that, after takeoff, the airplane climbed to an altitude of about 3,700 ft mean sea level. About 30 miles from the departure airport, the airplane turned left about 180° and began a rapid descent. The wreckage was located in a plowed, soft dirt field. Examination revealed no preimpact mechanical deficiencies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. Following a death investigation, the state medical examiner classified the manner of death as a suicide.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen not to conduct a night cross-country flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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