NTSB Cites Pilot Error, Medication in Fatal Tennessee Debonair Crash

The National Transportation Safety Board released its final report on the fatal Dec. 7, 2023, crash of a Beechcraft 35-C33 Debonair (N5891J) near Pulaski, Tennessee. The investigation determined that the private pilot, known online as TN FlyGirl, failed to maintain control of the aircraft, leading to a pilot-induced oscillation that culminated in a steep, high-speed dive into terrain. The report cites improper trim management, autopilot overreliance, inadequate training and the presence of performance-impairing medications as contributing factors.

Flight recorder data show a normal climb to 6,500 feet, followed by erratic ground-speed fluctuations and repeated climb-descent cycles that escalated to airspeeds of up to 230 knots and descent rates exceeding 10,000 feet per minute. The aircraft's elevator trim was found set to a 5-degree nose-down position, and no mechanical failures were identified. Toxicology results revealed drugs that impair judgment and reaction time, while pilot training records indicate gaps in stick-and-rudder proficiency and go-around technique.

The report underscores the risks of low-time pilots operating high-performance aircraft and warns against overreliance on automation. The accident highlights the importance of maintaining basic airmanship skills, even for pilots who share their flights with a large online following.