Loss of Control in Flight · NTSB CEN11FA645

Remos Aircraft GMBH Flugzeugba GX — Noblesville, IN

2 fatal Low-time pilot
DateSeptember 15, 2011
LocationNoblesville, IN
AircraftRemos Aircraft GMBH Flugzeugba GX
Purpose of flightPersonal
ConditionsDay · Visual Meteorological Cond
Phase / occurrenceUncontrolled descent Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Pilot age21
Pilot total time150 hrs · Low time
Time in type92 hrs
Fatalities2

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude. Contributing was the pilot's decision to maneuver at an altitude below that required for congested areas, which did not afford an adequate margin for stall recovery.

NTSB findings

  • Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Related operating info - F
  • Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Decision making/judgment-Pilot - F
  • Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Airspeed-Not attained/maintained - C
  • Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Use of equip/system-Pilot - C

What happened

The pilot was maneuvering the airplane at a low altitude near the passenger's family residence when the airspeed approached level-flight stall speed. The airplane then descended and impacted terrain. The damage and wreckage distribution indicated a nose-down, low-speed impact consistent with an aerodynamic stall. Examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The altitude at which the airplane was being flown was below that required by regulations for congested areas.

An editorial "what led to it / how to avoid it" analysis for this accident is generated separately and will appear here.

View the official NTSB docket →