Pilot Debrief

RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT COMPANY A36 near Augusta, GA — 2024-05-02

Final reportERA24FA206
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Date
2024-05-02
Location
Augusta, GA, USA
Airport
DNL
Aircraft
RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT COMPANY A36
Registration
N629BE
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot’s excessive turn rate and bank angle while at low airspeed and altitude, resulting in an accelerated aerodynamic stall, loss of airplane control, and collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

Shortly after takeoff on a cross-country flight in day visual meteorological conditions, the pilot initiated a sharp turn to the left with the landing gear extended and the flaps retracted. The turn appeared roughly consistent with an attempt to return to the airport; however, no distress calls were noted and the airport did not record the common traffic advisory frequency. The airplane reached a maximum altitude of 300 feet above the ground and a maximum calibrated airspeed of 90 kts. The airplane turned at more than twice the standard rate, reaching a calculated bank angle of 44° left wing low before it appeared to enter an accelerated aerodynamic stall. Sound spectrum analysis of surveillance video revealed the propeller was running at near maximum rpm at impact. The airplane impacted the ground in a residential neighborhood, was destroyed in a postaccident fire. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of a preexisting malfunction or failure. The reason for the pilot’s apparent return to the airport after departure could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the takeoff after initial climb issues became apparent.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents19

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