Pilot Debrief

Express CT near Grand Prairie, TX — 2020-12-21

Final reportCEN21LA096
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Date
2020-12-21
Location
Grand Prairie, TX, USA
Airport
GPM
Aircraft
Express CT
Registration
N772BM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of airplane control during the departure turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot requested a right turn after takeoff, which was approved by the local control (LC) controller. Shortly after departure, the LC controller instructed the pilot to keep the turn tight to avoid the airspace of a nearby airport. A witness said the airplane’s bank angle increased significantly during the turn before entering a steep dive. After the airplane began the dive, the witness heard the engine power up to what sounded like full power. The airplane impacted a light pole, a road, and then stuck an automobile after which a postaccident fire ensued. The witness said the airplane may have entered an accelerated stall. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal airplane operation. The pilot did not appear to have any natural disease that would be a factor in this accident. While his autopsy described an enlarged heart, the size was within normal limits for his last known pre-accident weight. The pilot had likely taken cold and allergy medication some time before flying. Toxicology testing detected the opioid cough suppressant dihydrocodeine in his urine but not in his blood, so no impairing effects would be expected. The sedating antihistamine diphenhydramine was detected in the pilot’s cavity and heart blood. The pilot-rated passenger also had diphenhydramine detected in his chest cavity blood. Given postmortem redistribution, the amounts detected were likely subtherapeutic. Given the circumstances of this crash, it is unlikely that the effects from the pilot’s and pilot-rated passenger’s use of diphenhydramine contributed to this accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to avoid GKY airspace without increasing bank angle significantly.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents11

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