Aviation Accident Summary ATL91LA169

YATESVILLE, GA, USA

Aircraft #1

N9FB

BATES, FRANK L SKYBOLT

Analysis

THE PILOT WAS FLYING WITH A PASSENGER OVER HIS PRIVATE AIRSTRIP. WHILE AT 800 FEET AGL, HE MADE A SHARP, 180-DEGREE TURN TO THE LEFT. WHILE IN THE TURN, THE AIRPLANE RAPIDLY LOST ALTITUDE. HE THEN REVERSED THE TURN SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT AND PREPARED TO LAND. WHILE IN THE SHARP, RIGHT TURN, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A LAKE THAT WAS LOCATED ABOUT 50 FEET FROM THE AIRSTRIP. THE PILOT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRPLANE. INSPECTION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS, AND FLIGHT CONTROL CONTINUITY WAS CONFIRMED.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER ALTITUDE DURING MANEUVERING FLIGHT.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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