Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while in the airport traffic pattern that resulted in an uncontrolled descent and impact with terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The private pilot of the personal flight stated that the takeoff from the departure airport was “smooth,” and he climbed the airplane to about 2,300 ft. and performed several maneuvers. He then decided to return to the departure airport for landing. The airplane impacted a flat dirt field and sustained substantial damage to the right wing and vertical stabilizer. He did not remember any of the events after the airplane entered the airport traffic pattern except for radio calls that he made. The pilot stated that the airplane was operating normally during the flight. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal airplane operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN22LA241