Pilot Debrief

SONEX AIRCRAFT SONEX near Sulphur Springs, IN — 2024-09-10

Final reportCEN24FA346
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Date
2024-09-10
Location
Sulphur Springs, IN, USA
Airport
39IN
Aircraft
SONEX AIRCRAFT SONEX
Registration
N966DP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of directional control during takeoff for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

A witness reported that the pilot stated that he was going to conduct a short local flight. The pilot, who hangared the airplane at his residence, taxied the airplane from his residence to the private grass airstrip. The witness observed the pilot perform an engine run-up and then proceed to take off. Due to terrain obscuration, the witness lost sight of the airplane shortly after the initial takeoff roll. The witness did not see the airplane become airborne. She then observed the airplane inverted in an adjacent soybean field. She responded to the site, extricated the pilot, and rendered aid until first responders arrived. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. An acquaintance of the pilot stated that it was not uncommon for deer to be grazing in the soybean fields and cross the airstrip; however, there was no evidence of the airplane colliding with wildlife on the runway. The reason for the loss of directional control during the takeoff could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot's decision to take off without recent flight experience.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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