Pilot Debrief

Sabre Tukan near Mohawk, TN — 2008-10-12

Final reportERA09LA013
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Date
2008-10-12
Location
Mohawk, TN, USA
Aircraft
Sabre Tukan
Registration
N75604
Category
Trike
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of control in flight due to a lack of flight experience or instruction. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to the recent use of marijuana and a prescription painkiller.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to the recent use of marijuana and a prescription painkiller.

NTSB narrative

Witnesses reported strong gusting wind from the east, but the pilot elected to take off to the west. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft dragged the left wing on the turf runway and nearly collided with a camper. The aircraft climbed between 100 and 150 feet above ground level, and made a “hard left turn” before it entered a nose-down descent and impacted terrain. Witnesses described the engine sound as “wide open” throughout the takeoff and accident sequence. A search of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)records revealed that the pilot held no pilot certificates, nor was there any record of his applying for an FAA medical certificate. A family member reported that the pilot elected to take his first flight in the aircraft solo and without prior instruction. Toxicology testing was consistent with impairment due to recent use of marijuana and a prescription painkiller.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot should not have taken off solo without prior instruction.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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