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October 17, 2021 · Rockwell 112 B · N112LS

Three Points, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 17, 2021
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Three Points, AZ
Aircraft
Rockwell 112 B (1976)
Tail Number
N112LS
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR22FA012

The pilot was conducting a personal training flight for an upcoming flight review. Flight track data revealed that shortly after departure the airplane conducted multiple 180° turns above a road then entered two clearing-turns before conducting multiple steep turns. The airplane then headed southwest and then southeast as airspeed slowed to about 60 kts. The data showed that, about 3,800 ft agl, the airplane’s airspeed slowed to about 50 kts and entered a steep descending left turn. The airplane’s airspeed most likely dropped below stall speed during the slow flight maneuver and the pilot was unable to recover before impact. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The flap and landing gear configuration were not determined during the investigation due to the impact and thermal damage.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain proper airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and the airplane entering an aerodynamic stall.

Full Narrative

On October 17, 2021, about 1402 mountain standard time, a Rockwell International 112B airplane, N112LS, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Three Points, Arizona. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Recorded automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data showed that the airplane departed from runway 24L at Ryan Field (RYN), Tucson, Arizona, about 1339, climbed to 4,500 ft mean sea level (msl) [about 2,700 ft above ground level (agl)], and traveled southwest for about 5 minutes before entering into multiple 180° turns over a southbound road. The data shows the airplane continued to the southwest before making a wide right turn and then a left turn. The data showed four 360°- turn maneuvers before heading southwest, and then southeast, as airspeed slowed to about 60 kts. The data showed that about 3,800 ft agl, the airplane’s airspeed slowed to about 50 kts and entered a steep descending left turn. The airplane continued in a descending left turn until ADS-B contact was lost about 1402, at an altitude of about 250 ft agl near the accident site. Concerned friends of the pilot who were tracking the accident flight contacted the local authorities later that afternoon. The airplane was found that evening by local law enforcement on level, wooded desert terrain. According to a friend of the pilot, he was preparing for an upcoming flight review scheduled for the following Tuesday. During the investigation, identification of the flight instructor performing the review could not be found. Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane impacted terrain in a flat, wings-level attitude, with no debris path. The airplane remained mostly intact and had postimpact fire damage. The engine cowling separated and was found 20 ft from the engine. Broken plexiglass surrounded the main wreckage. All the airplane’s flight controls were found at the accident site and flight control cable continuity was established to the cabin area. The flap and landing gear configuration were not determined during the investigation. Postaccident examination of the engine and airframe revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. According to Pilot’s Operating Handbook, the airplane’s stall speed with landing gear and flaps retracted is 61 knots. A National Transportation Safety Board aircraft performance study revealed that the airplane slowed to a calibrated airspeed very near its stall speed. The airplane was flying only 4-7 kts above its reported stall speed during the final two minutes of flight. The aircraft’s airspeed then dropped below the reported stall speed, and it rapidly lost altitude while in a tight left turn. The pilot’s logbook was not found during the investigation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:02 MST
Nearest AirportRYANFLD (21nm SW)
Runway24L
Runway Length5500 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionUnknown

Aircraft

AircraftRockwell 112 B
Tail NumberN112LS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360 · Reciprocating
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 44 · Third Class · Fatal

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point32 F
Altimeter29.96 inHg
Observation Time13:58
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data