Pilot Debrief

Pietenpol AIRCAMPER near Camp Verde, AZ — 2018-08-18

Final reportWPR18FA228
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Date
2018-08-18
Location
Camp Verde, AZ, USA
Airport
19AZ
Aircraft
Pietenpol AIRCAMPER
Registration
N88HK
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

Loss of control for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and passenger departed on a local area flight. When the flight did not return a search was initiated and the wreckage was located later in the evening in hilly, uneven desert terrain. The wreckage debris field was contained within about a 10-foot radius of the main wreckage. All flight control surfaces remained attached and flight control continuity was established. The wing assembly was deformed in the middle section with the left portion of the wing pushed up and over the main spar; the right wing was pushed down. It is likely that the airplane was in an uncontrolled attitude at the time of impact with terrain. A visual examination of the engine revealed no holes in the engine case. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed carbon buildup in the cylinder barrels and piston faces and worn spark plugs. The wooden propeller remained attached to the crankshaft and engine. There were no mechanical anomalies revealed that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight to avoid terrain impact.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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