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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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February 6, 2005 · Austin Pitts Special · N109WM

Coolidge, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 6, 2005
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Coolidge, AZ
Aircraft
Austin Pitts Special
Tail Number
N109WM
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX05LA086

The airplane collided with terrain while the pilot was performing a low pass maneuver over the airport. After departure and upon reaching 100 feet above ground level (agl), the pilot configured the airplane in a 180-degree turn, in an effort to align the flight path parallel to the runway and perform a low pass over the airport. As the pilot maneuvered the airplane in close proximity to the airport surface, he experienced a loss of altitude, resulting in the underside of the right wing and right main landing gear simultaneously impacting the ramp's asphalt. The airplane collided with terrain and skidded several hundred feet. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate altitude from the airport surface when performing an intentional low altitude flyby maneuver.

Full Narrative

On February 5, 2005, about 1700 mountain standard time, an Austin Pitts Special, N109WM, collided with terrain during a low pass maneuver at the Coolidge Municipal Airport, Coolidge, Arizona. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The personal local flight departed Coolidge about 1630, with a planned destination of Falcon Field Airport, Mesa, Arizona. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. During a telephone interview with a National Transportation Safety Board investigator, the pilot stated that after departing from runway 23, he continued his flight path in a southwesterly direction. Upon reaching 100 feet above ground level (agl), he maneuvered the airplane in a 180-degree turn, in an effort to align it parallel to the runway and perform a low pass over the airport. As the pilot maneuvered the airplane in close proximity to the airport surface, he experienced a loss of altitude, resulting in the underside of the right wing and right main landing gear simultaneously impacting the ramp's asphalt. The airplane collided with terrain and skidded several hundred feet, coming to rest upright, with the right wing still attached. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. As a result of impact forces, the airplane incurred damage to the right wing, cowling, and right landing gear. In a written statement, the pilot stated that he thought the accident might have been prevented if he had a better understanding of the side effects of certain medications he was consuming. He added that he had undergone a chemotherapy protocol from June to November 2004, and thereafter, has been medicated with hormone shots and various oral prescriptions. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Deputy Region Flight Surgeon conducted an investigation of the pilot's medical condition. He stated that after conducting a thorough review of the pilot's medical information (both historical and current), he did not identify any medical issues that may have contributed to the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 MST
Nearest AirportCoolidge Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway23
Runway Length5528 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAustin Pitts Special
Tail NumberN109WM
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 67 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 41 C
Altimeter29.77 inHg
Observation Time23:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data