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NTSB Report

February 13, 2002 · Ellenberger/Werner Glasair I TD · N777WE

Minden, NV

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 13, 2002
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Minden, NV
Aircraft
Ellenberger/Werner Glasair I TD
Tail Number
N777WE
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX02LA085

The amateur-built airplane impacted the ground in a pasture at a steep flight path angle. Prior to departure, the pilot told the operator that his intent was to practice stall maneuvers. When he did not return that evening, an Alert Notice (ALNOT) was issued. The owner of the property where the accident occurred saw an unidentified object in his pasture the following morning; however, he had other pressing business and didn't return to identify the wreckage until the afternoon of that day. The accident site was in an open pasture, and the entire airplane was present in the immediate area of the wreckage with no appreciable wreckage distribution. There was no fire. The forward half of the engine was buried in the soil at a 30- to 45-degree angle. The composite airframe was extensively fractured; however, flight control continuity was established to the cockpit. The left and right wing leading edges exhibited crushing damage aft to the wing spar, and there was an impact mark on the surface of the dirt immediately in front of the wing of size and shape consistent with the leading edge shape and span. There were no trees or electrical power transmission lines in the proximity. A toxicological analysis of the pilot reported finding the drug paroxetine. According to the internet website "mentalhealth.com," paroxetine is a prescription antidepressant. The concentration reported in the pilot's blood was 0.279 ug/mL. The FAA's 1999 Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners notes "the use of a psychotropic drug is considered disqualifying. This includes all sedatives, tranquilizers, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressant drugs (including SSRI's), analeptics, anxiolytics, and hallucinogens."

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane resulting in the airplane entering a flat spin from which the pilot did not recover.

Full Narrative

On February 12, 2002, about 1630 Pacific standard time, an experimental Ellenberger Glasair I TD, N777WE, impacted terrain in a pasture 6 miles south of Minden, Nevada. The certificated private pilot and one passenger were fatally injured and the amateur-built airplane was destroyed. The local area personal flight was operated by Mansberger Aircraft, Inc., under 14 CFR Part 91, and departed from the Minden-Tahoe airport about 1600. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. According to the operator, the pilot departed Minden about 1600 and told him his intent was to practice stalls. When he did not return that evening an Alert Notice (ALNOT) was issued. The owner of the property where the accident occurred saw an unidentified object in his pasture the following morning (February 13, 2002); however, he had other pressing business and didn't return to identify the wreckage until the afternoon of that day. An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the scene. He reported the accident site was in an open pasture, and that the entire airplane was present in the immediate area of the wreckage with no appreciable wreckage distribution. There was no fire. The forward 1/2 of the engine was buried in the soil at a 30- to 45-degree angle. The composite airframe was extensively fractured; however, flight control continuity was established to the cockpit. The left and right wing leading edges exhibited crushing damage aft to the wing spar and there was an impact mark on the surface of the dirt immediately in front of the wing of size and shape consistent with the leading edge shape and span. There were no trees in the immediate area and those in the distance showed no visible evidence of impact. There were no electrical power transmission lines in the proximity. A toxicological analysis of the pilot was performed by the FAA's Civil Aeromedical Institute and their report shows the presence of the drug paroxetine. According to the internet website "mentalhealth.com", paroxetine is a prescription antidepressant. The concentration reported in the pilot's blood was 0.279 ug/mL. The FAA's 1999 Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners notes "the use of a psychotropic drug is considered disqualifying. This includes all sedatives, tranquilizers, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressant drugs (including SSRI's), analeptics, anxiolytics, and hallucinogens." On the pilot's last application for an Airman Medical Certificate on June 4, 1998, he reported that he had accumulated 320 hours total pilot time, and 45 hours within the last six months. The airplane owner, who was also the pilot's employer, told the Safety Board investigator that he recalled the pilot was in an unusually "aggressive mood" on the day of the accident. The pilot was normally a quiet person and on that day he was more aggressive with others, but not in an unacceptable way. He had recently broken up with his girlfriend. This had happened several times before but this time he seemed "OK" with it. He even joked about it a little. The pilot's brother told the Safety Board investigator that he was aware his brother had a prescription for paroxetine but that his brother had no serious emotional issues.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 PST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftEllenberger/Werner Glasair I TD
Tail NumberN777WE
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 37 · Third Class · Fatal

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 10 C
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time00:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data