Pilot Debrief

BEECH V35 near Deltaville, VA — 2020-11-24

Final reportERA21LA053
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Date
2020-11-24
Location
Deltaville, VA, USA
Aircraft
BEECH V35
Registration
N35AW
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

An uncontrolled descent and impact with terrain following an in-flight collision with seagulls.

NTSB narrative

The pilot departed on a personal local flight to test the autopilot system. Two fishermen reported seeing the airplane fly through a flock of seagulls, followed by two birds falling to the water. A third witness stated that he heard a loud noise, then saw the airplane make a left turn followed by two spirals before it impacted terrain. Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomalies of the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. No avian remains were discovered during the postaccident examination; however, it is likely that any remains that may have been present would have been consumed by the significant post-impact fire. Based on the witness statements, it is likely that the airplane collided with birds inflight, after which the airplane entered an uncontrolled descent into terrain.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided flying through flock of seagulls.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents11

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