Pilot Debrief

MOONEY M20F near Hooker, OK — 2012-06-12

Final reportCEN12LA368
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Date
2012-06-12
Location
Hooker, OK, USA
Airport
O45
Aircraft
MOONEY M20F
Registration
N6455Q
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of airplane control after a partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment as a result of his recent use of illicit drugs.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during the initial climb, a sudden partial loss of engine power occurred. The pilot lost airplane control as the airplane drifted left and then stalled. The airplane impacted terrain near the runway departure end. A significant fuel spill occurred, but no postimpact fire ensued. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Postaccident toxicology testing of the pilot's blood and urine specimens, which were obtained about 4 hours after the accident, revealed the presence of amphetamine and methamphetamine at levels consistent with recreational drug use shortly before the accident flight. Given the levels of methamphetamine and amphetamine in his blood 4 hours after the accident, it is likely that the pilot's judgment and ability to respond to an urgent or emergency situation was significantly impaired and contributed to the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff upon initial power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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