Pilot Debrief

Mauck RV-6A near Sierraville, CA — 2008-07-02

Final reportSEA08LA158
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Date
2008-07-02
Location
Sierraville, CA, USA
Aircraft
Mauck RV-6A
Registration
N27WR
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with trees and terrain while maneuvering Contributing to the accident was the reduced visibility in the area due to smoke.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the reduced visibility in the area due to smoke.

NTSB narrative

The airplane was observed maneuvering at a low altitude over a sparsely populated wooded area during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions. There were no known witnesses to the accident sequence. Wreckage and impact signatures were consistent with level attitude, high-speed impact with trees and terrain. The wreckage debris path was about 200 feet in length and all major components of the airplane were located within the debris path. A United States Forest Service lookout tower personnel, located about 12 miles east southeast of the accident site stated that around mid day, visibility was about 1/4 to 1/2 miles with heavy smoke in the area. A local law enforcement officer reported that the day of the accident, visibility was marginal due to smoke in the area of the accident. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided low altitude maneuvering in poor visibility conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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