Pilot Debrief

Thompson Kolb Twinstar Mark near Elkhart, IN — 2010-09-08

Final reportCEN10LA526
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Date
2010-09-08
Location
Elkhart, IN, USA
Airport
EKM
Aircraft
Thompson Kolb Twinstar Mark
Registration
N408K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing approach.

NTSB narrative

The accident occurred during the amateur-built airplane's first flight. According to the pilot, the purpose of the flight was to determine the stall speed and handling characteristics of the airplane during the flight. After departure, the pilot circled the airport at an altitude of about 3,000 feet, and then requested a return for landing with air traffic control. A video of the accident showed the airplane in a steep descent toward a grassy area between the runway and taxiway. As the airplane neared the ground, the nose of the airplane oscillated pitching up, down, and up again prior to the nose dropping and the airplane impacting the ground. A witness reported the engine sounded normal during the flight and while the airplane was on final approach. A postaccident examination of the airframe did not reveal any failure or malfunction that would have resulted in the loss of control.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have opted for a go-around instead of attempting to land.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 14 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents14

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