Landing / Ground Loss of Control · NTSB LAX08LA059

Munson RV-6A — Stanwood, WA

2 fatal High-time pilot
DateFebruary 16, 2008
LocationStanwood, WA
AircraftMunson RV-6A (amateur-built)
Purpose of flightPersonal
ConditionsDay · Visual Meteorological Cond
Phase / occurrenceLanding Loss of control in flight
Pilot age55
Pilot total time1,154 hrs · Experienced
Time in type241 hrs
Fatalities2

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed above stall (Vs) during an emergency landing that lead to a stall and uncontrolled descent. Contributing to the accident was the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB findings

  • Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined - F
  • Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Airspeed-Not attained/maintained - C
  • Environmental issues-Physical environment-Terrain-(general)-Not specified

What happened

The pilot was in radio communications with her husband, who was on the ground. She stated that she had "lost power" and was landing in a field. No additional information was relayed by the pilot. A witness reported to the sheriff that he heard a sound of an airplane approaching, saw it descending in altitude, and then heard it impact the ground. The wreckage was located in an open field, with the nose of the airplane imbedded into the ground, and the tail elevated at an angle of 45 degrees above the horizon. No other ground scars were evident leading to the airplane wreckage. The wreckage configuration was consistent with the end result of an aerodynamic stall followed by an uncontrolled descent at low altitude. No evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomalies were identified during the postaccident examination of the engine and airplane.

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 →