Pilot Debrief

DIAL DAVID L TITAN TORNADO II near Checotah, OK — 2012-05-19

Final reportCEN12LA307
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Date
2012-05-19
Location
Checotah, OK, USA
Airport
NONE
Aircraft
DIAL DAVID L TITAN TORNADO II
Registration
N158TX
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The noncertificated pilot's loss of airplane control while maneuvering during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s ostentatious display.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the pilot's ostentatious display.

NTSB narrative

After takeoff, the airplane leveled off about 100 ft above ground level; accelerated; made a steep, nearly vertical, nose-up climb; and then sharply banked left. The airplane then suddenly stalled and "nose-dived" into the ground. A witness reported that, in the past, he and his neighbors had frequently seen the pilot perform this type of maneuver. One person reported that, in the past, the pilot seemed to enjoy "showing off" for people when he was flying. Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures. Federal Aviation Administration records showed that the pilot did not hold a valid pilot certificate and that his previously issued student pilot certificate had expired in 2003. Toxicological testing detected low levels of methamphetamine in the pilot's cavity blood and urine, indicating that the pilot took some form of the drug before the crash. However, insufficient evidence was available to determine whether the drug had been medically prescribed or was being used recreationally. Thus, it could not be determined if the pilot's performance was impaired by either the drug, an underlying medical condition, or withdrawal symptoms at the time of the flight.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided steep climb and tight turn after takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents10

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