The Cirrus SR20 was captured on airport surveillance cameras as the pilot attempted to land in Bolingbrook, Ill. A review of the video revealed that the plane touched down multiple times about halfway down the runway.
During the go-around, witnesses reported that they observed the SR20 depart the runway and make a left turn at low altitude. It descended with the wings level as it flew over a few buildings. It then hit a tree and a light pole, and then hit terrain next to a bank building.
A post-impact fire ensued and consumed most of the airplane.
Slash marks found in the dirt next to the main wreckage were consistent with the propeller rotating at the time of impact.
The substances found in the pilot’s toxicology report were consistent with a resuscitation effort. Based on the available medical history, physical examinations, toxicology and autopsy, the pilot had no known or reported pre-existing medical issues that would have posed a hazard to flight safety.
A witness who spoke with the pilot immediately after the accident stated that the pilot told him that the airplane’s speed was too fast (witnesses stated that he was landing with a tailwind), so he decided to go around and attempt the landing again. He then stated that as he was banking, he lost power and control of the aircraft. Based on the evidence, it is likely that the pilot lost control of the airplane during the go-around and subsequently hit terrain.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as the pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around.
NTSB Identification: CEN13FA558
This August 2013 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
As a pilot with writing skills, I’d still like to know how this “fatality” became such, or who’s being quoted. C’mon: “Man bites dog; THAT’S news.”
From the full NTSB narrative:
“The pilot succumbed to his serious injuries at the hospital hours after the accident. The only accident information provided by the pilot was to the witness on scene. “
Since the title uses the word “fatal,” are we to assume the pilot died from his injuries after having been resuscitated and speaking with a witness or did I miss something?
being a medic for 25 years, my educated guess would be that he was alive and talking when the witness arrived, but expired before the medics got there.
A, TAA, with a non-basic Stick and Rudder Pilot.
I give up John…what’s a TAA?
Technically Advanced Aircraft