Pilot Debrief

GULFSTREAM AMERICAN CORP AA-5A near Baxter Pass, CO — 2008-09-07

Final reportDEN08FA152
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Date
2008-09-07
Location
Baxter Pass, CO, USA
Aircraft
GULFSTREAM AMERICAN CORP AA-5A
Registration
N26930
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a turn, resulting in an unrecoverable aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

Witness statements and recovered GPS data revealed that the commercial pilot and passenger were conducting aerial patrol of an underground pipeline. GPS data overlaid on a map of the pipeline route indicate that the pilot flew a track that was offset to the right of the pipeline, and then initiate a 90-degree left turn during the last 30 seconds of flight. During the offset and start of the turn, the airplane climbed 102 feet and decelerated from 95 miles per hour to 67 miles per hour. Density altitude was about 9,350 feet. Impact signatures and wreckage distribution indicated the airplane impacted terrain in a steep nose-low attitude, consistent with an aerodynamic stall. Examination of the wreckage showed no evidence of any pre-impact mechanical anomalies.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot failed to check in with company before departing in personal aircraft.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents19

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