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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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November 1, 1997 · Saldairiaga Buccaneer II Buccaneer · N813LJ

Clermont, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 1, 1997
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Clermont, FL
Aircraft
Saldairiaga Buccaneer II Buccaneer
Tail Number
N813LJ
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MIA98LA018

Witnesses stated they observed the airplane start a steep left turn, estimated more than a 45 degree angle of bank, between 150 to 300 feet at a slow airspeed. The airplane appeared to enter an accelerated stall. The nose pitched down, and the airplane collided with the ground in a left wing low, nose-down attitude. Before the airplane collided with the ground, the engine was heard to increase to full power. Examination of the airframe and flight control assembly revealed no evidence of a precrash mechanical failure or malfunction.

NTSB Probable Cause

failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.

Full Narrative

On November 1, 1997, about 1548 eastern standard time, a Saldairiaga, Buccaneer II, N813LJ, operated by a private owner as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, crashed in the vicinity of Clermont, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was destroyed. The student pilot was fatally injured. The flight originated from Flying Gator Airpark, Clermont, Florida, about 1 hour 18 minutes before the accident. Witnesses who knew the pilot stated they observed the airplane between 150 to 300 feet southwest of the airpark. The airplane entered a steep left turn, estimated more than a 45-degree angle of bank at a slow airspeed. The airplane appeared to enter an accelerated stall. The nose pitched down and the airplane collided with the ground in a left wing low nose-down attitude. Before the airplane collided with the ground the engine was heard to increase to full power. Examination of the airframe, flight control system and engine assembly revealed no evidence of a precrash mechanical failure or malfunction. All components necessary for flight were present at the crash site. Continuity of the flight control system was confirmed for pitch, roll, and yaw. An examination of the engine assembly and accessories was not conducted based on statements provided by eyewitnesses indicating the engine was operating at time of impact with the terrain. Postmortem examination of the pilot was conducted by Dr. Susan M. Rendon, Associate Medical Examiner District Five, Leesburg, Florida, on November 2, 1997. The cause of death was injuries related to the aircraft accident. Postmortem toxicology studies of specimens from the pilot was performed by the Forensic Toxicology Research Section, Federal Aviation Administration, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. These studies were negative for alcohol, basic, acidic and neutral drugs.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:48 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSaldairiaga Buccaneer II Buccaneer
Tail NumberN813LJ
Aircraft CategoryUltr
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · Reciprocating
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter0
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data