Pilot Debrief

HOOPER JAMES A BUSHBY MUS near Gladwin, MI — 2009-08-07

Final reportCEN09LA512
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Date
2009-08-07
Location
Gladwin, MI, USA
Aircraft
HOOPER JAMES A BUSHBY MUS
Registration
N37JD
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

After completing a 16-hour shift at work, the pilot flew the airplane for a local flight. Radar data showed the airplane depart to the north and execute a series of maneuvers approximately 25 miles north of the departure airport before radar contact was lost. A witness who was flying his own airplane observed the accident airplane and attempted to communicate via radio; however, no communication was established. The accident site was located in heavily wooded terrain and the airplane came to rest in a nose-down attitude, approximately 2 miles south-southwest of the last radar target. There was no postimpact fire. Examination of the airplane by Federal Aviation Administration inspectors revealed no anomalies to the airframe and engine that would have precluded normal operation. Toxicological tests were positive for unspecified levels of ephedrine, fluconazole, and pseudoephedrine, and none of the drugs are typically regarded as impairing. The pilot was likely fatigued, though the investigation was unable to establish that the pilot's fatigue played a role in the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen not to fly after a long work shift.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents14

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