Loss of Control in Flight · NTSB ERA09LA019
Hargett Sky Ranger II — Rock Hill, SC
| Date | October 16, 2008 |
| Location | Rock Hill, SC |
| Aircraft | Hargett Sky Ranger II (amateur-built) |
| Purpose of flight | Personal |
| Conditions | Day · Visual Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Unknown Loss of control in flight |
| Pilot age | 51 |
| Pilot total time | Unknown |
| Time in type | Unknown |
| Fatalities | 1 |
Probable cause
The non-certificated pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and a subsequent impact with the ground. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's lack of training and his impairment due to recent use of marijuana.
NTSB findings
- Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Airspeed-Not attained/maintained - C
- Personnel issues-Experience/knowledge-Training-Total instruct/training recvd-Pilot - F
- Personnel issues-Physical-Impairment/incapacitation-Illicit drug-Pilot - F
- Personnel issues-Experience/knowledge-Experience/qualifications-Qualification/certification-Pilot
What happened
While teaching himself to fly, the non-certificated pilot stalled the airplane, which then impacted the ground in a 60-degree, nose-down attitude. Postcrash examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical anomalies. Toxicological testing revealed that the pilot was likely under the influence of marijuana at the time of the accident.