Pilot Debrief

MOYES B/BAILEY B DRAGONFLY near Trenton, GA — 2012-05-26

Final reportERA12LA364
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Date
2012-05-26
Location
Trenton, GA, USA
Airport
0GE3
Aircraft
MOYES B/BAILEY B DRAGONFLY
Registration
N56FP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The airplane's entry into an uncontrolled descent for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation and it could not be determined whether the pilot had experienced an incapacitating medical event.

NTSB narrative

The pilot departed in the experimental light-sport airplane without incident, climbed to an altitude of about 350 to 400 feet above ground level, and flew to a nearby ridgeline. Witnesses reported that the airplane looked slow as it flew parallel to the ridgeline and subsequently entered a left spiraling dive, making two descending 360-degree turns before it impacted trees. The nature of the airplane's departure from controlled flight was consistent with a stall. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane was equipped with a ballistic parachute system that was found in the armed for flight position; however, it had not been activated. The pilot was familiar with the accident airplane and had flown it regularly during the previous 2 years. The pilot's most recent Federal Aviation Administration medical examination was performed about 9 years before the accident. At the time of the accident, the pilot was taking a medication for the treatment of hypertension. The medical examiner noted no significant gross natural disease or focal myocardial lesions during autopsy; however, it could not be determined whether the pilot became incapacitated before the airplane's descent.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided maneuvering near the ridgeline to prevent loss of control.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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