PIPER PA-20 near Nelson, CA — 2010-05-31

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of aircraft control during an undetermined phase of flight, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and subsequent collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The purpose of the flight was for the pilot to gain additional flight time towards his commercial pilot certificate; at the time of the accident he had about 50 hours total flight time. The pilot and passengers had no recollection of the circumstances surrounding the accident due to the serious injuries they sustained. The airplane came to rest inverted and semi-submerged in a wet field about five miles from the airplane’s home base. Fuselage crush signatures, damage to the airplane's left wing, and twisting deformation to the tail section were consistent with terrain impact following an aerodynamic stall/spin event. A postimpact examination did not reveal any anomalies with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Loss of control

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have avoided the right turn that led to loss of control.

NTSB coding

• Aerodynamic stall/spin · Unknown

Evidence available

• Photos
• 12 docket documents

Docket documents12

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Passenger and Family Statementsinterview
• Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigationinterview
• Evidence Control Documentation (Magnetos)other
• Photograph 1 - Airplane Forward Viewphotos
• Photograph 2 - Airplane Side Viewphotos
• Photograph 3 - Tailphotos
• Photograph 4 - Crushed Nose Conephotos
• Photograph 5 - Propeller Blade Leading Edge Damagephotos
• Photograph 6 - Propeller Blade Forward Bending Damagephotos
• Photograph 7 - Fuel Sheen at Accident Sitephotos
• Photograph 8 - Magneto Corrosion and Water Linephotos

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