Pilot Debrief

CLIFF STARDUSTER II SA300 near Placerville, CA — 2014-08-17

Final reportWPR14FA348
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Date
2014-08-17
Location
Placerville, CA, USA
Airport
01CL
Aircraft
CLIFF STARDUSTER II SA300
Registration
N411TM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around in gusting wind conditions following a partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined, because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to his recent use of methamphetamine.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to his recent use of methamphetamine.

NTSB narrative

While on approach for landing, the private pilot initiated a go-around on short final due to gusty crosswind conditions. During the climbout, the pilot reported that the airplane experienced a partial loss of engine power. The airplane subsequently collided with terrain, seriously injuring the pilot and fatally injuring the passenger. Postaccident examination of the engine and airframe revealed no evidence of any preexisting mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Blood samples from the pilot tested positive for methamphetamine and its active metabolite, amphetamine. The methamphetamine was found at high levels, indicative of abuse. It is likely that the pilot was impaired by the psychoactive effects of illicit methamphetamine use at the time of the accident, which impaired his ability to maintain control of the airplane during the go-around attempt.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the go-around earlier due to gusty winds.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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