# NTSB WPR19FA216: Lancair Lancair IV, N350CL, Kooskia, ID, August 11, 2019 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report - Date: August 11, 2019, 10:28 local (17:28 UTC) - Place: Kooskia, ID - Coordinates: 46.157775, -115.91972 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.1578&lon=-115.9197&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Enroute: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 2 fatal - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: Continental Motors, FAA-FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 100038 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR19FA216 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/100038/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=100038 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA216 ## Probable cause The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering in an area of precipitation and reduced visibility, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin and loss of airplane control. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Turbulence: convective turbulence](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03032020): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on equipment; cases with it: [Lindros Carl Tte LANCAIR IV, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03032020/cases.md?model=05601T1), [All aircraft, 145 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03032020/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Lindros Carl Tte LANCAIR IV, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=05601T1), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: airspeed](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Lindros Carl Tte LANCAIR IV, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md?model=05601T1), [All aircraft, 1,681 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: angle of attack](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Lindros Carl Tte LANCAIR IV, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042/cases.md?model=05601T1), [All aircraft, 990 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Enroute: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Lindros Carl Tte LANCAIR IV, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=05601T1), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Enroute: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Lindros Carl Tte LANCAIR IV, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=05601T1), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot departed on a visual flight rules cross-country flight. A review of radar data revealed that the airplane began to climb from its previously established cruise altitude of around 10,800 ft mean sea level (msl) to 13,500 ft msl. During the climb, the groundspeed decayed from about 215 knots to 79 knots and continued to decay as the airplane subsequently entered a rapid, left-turning descent that continued until ground contact. The airplane was largely consumed by a postcrash fire, but examination revealed no evidence of any mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot was not in communication with air traffic control during the flight. Around the time the airplane began to climb, it entered an area of light-to-heavy precipitation and likely reduced visbility. A model atmospheric sounding for the area of the accident site revealed a potential for icing above 14,000 ft msl and the likely presence of updrafts and downdrafts. Witnesses near the accident site reported heavy rain and lightning around the time of the accident. Whether or to what extent the pilot obtained preflight weather information could not be determined, and there was no record of the pilot receiving a weather briefing for the flight from an access-controlled source. Although the pilot was instrument rated and his logbook indicated that he had completed 28 instrument approaches within the 10 months before the accident, he did not record any actual or simulated instrument flight experience during that time, and his instrument proficiency could not be determined. The airplane’s loss of airspeed throughout the climb and its subsequent rapid descent without an associated increase in airspeed suggest that the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall/spin that continued until impact. ## Factual narrative On August 11, 2019, about 1128 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Lancair IV, N350CL, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Kooskia, Idaho. The private pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated by the pilot as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Flight track data showed the airplane departing Polson Airport (8S1), Polson, Montana, about 0950 and flying to the southwest between 10,500 and 10,800 ft mean sea level (msl). At 1019, about 26 miles from the accident site, the airplane turned southbound for about 4 minutes, and about 16 miles from the accident site, the airplane turned right to the southwest. At 1027, the airplane entered a climb, reaching a peak altitude of 13,500 ft msl, and the groundspeed decreased to 79 knots. The airplane subsequently entered a left descending turn to the area of the accident site. The pilot was not in communication with air traffic control during the flight. A local resident was driving near the accident site about the time of the accident and described the weather as "nasty," with heavy rain and lightning. As he was driving, he remembered seeing a flash of light and an explosion from the accident site location and thought that it was a lightning strike. He called local authorities and hours later found out that it was the airplane impacting terrain. He reported that he did not see the airplane. Another witness was fishing nearby and described the weather consisting of heavy rain and a lot of lightning about the time of the accident. The witness remembered hearing an airplane's engine revving up and down, as if it were straining. He did not hear or see the impact. According to Federal Aviation Administration airman records, the accident pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and sea, instrument airplane, and glider. The pilot reported 4,620 hours of flight experience and 35 hours in the previous 6 months as of his last medical exam, dated February 15, 2016. The most recent pilot log recorded an accumulated flight time of 18.9 hours in the 10 months before the accident. The pilot recorded 28 instrument approaches during this time frame; however, no simulated or actual instrument time was recorded. Review of weather radar imagery revealed an area of light to heavy precipitation moving northeast over the accident area around the time of the accident. One-half inch hail was detected about 15 minutes before the accident time. Heavy values of precipitation were detected well above 30,000 ft msl during this period. (see figure 1.) Rawinsonde observation revealed a potential for icing above 14,000 ft. Maximum vertical velocity for this atmosphere was calculated at about 6,300 ft per minute and downdraft convective available potential energy (CAPE) was measured at 317 Joules per kilogram. An AIRMET advisory for mountain obscuration was active for the accident location at the accident time below 17,000 ft, anda Convective SIGMET was also valid for the accident area at the time of the accident. Figure 1. Airplane's flight track with radar overlay According to Leidos Flight Service (LFS), neither LFS nor any third-party vendors using the LFS system had any contact with the accident pilot regarding the accident flight. The accident site was located on an eastern facing slope, about 1/2-mile uphill from the Clearwater River and 3 miles east from the town of Kooskia, Idaho. The debris field was about 180 ft long and about 100 ft wide and oriented on a heading of about 94° magnetic. All major structural components and flight controls were located at the accident site. Flight control continuity could not be established due to the extensive impact and thermal damage of the wreckage. A detailed examination of the engine revealed no evidence of preexisting malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N350CL](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N350CL-2020-01-07), registration cancelled 2020-01-07, S/N 021, built 1996 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Lancair LANCAIR IV (Undesignat) - Registry model: [Lindros Carl Tte LANCAIR IV](https://openairdocs.org/model/lindros-carl-tte-lancair-iv) (registry code 05601T1) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental IO-550 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-550-series) (registry code 17042, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 021 - Year built: 1996 - Airframe hours: 1358 - Engines: Continental TSIO-550 310 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: 100 hour, December 12, 2018 - Departed: 8S1, Polson, MT - Destination: Sacramento, CA - Equipment: Electronic flight bag or handheld device, Onboard weather, Angle of attack indicator, Satellite tracking device, Auto-pilot ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 83; injuries: fatal; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: basicmed, with waivers/limitations; last flight review March 24, 2018; toxicology performed; flight hours: 4,620 total ## Weather - Conditions: Day - Wind: 320° at 9 knots, gusting 14 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 2,700 ft overcast - Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 55 °F - Altimeter: 30.04 inHg - Icing: Unknown - Turbulence: Unknown - Observed at: KGIC, 15 nm away - METAR: METAR KGIC 111715Z AUTO 32009G14KT 10SM OVC027 13/13 A3004 RMK AO1= ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20190811013939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20190811013939A), Aug 11, 2019: Lindros Carl Tte LANCAIR IV, Kooskia, ID, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Pilot departed polson, mt airport, 8S1, at approximately 0948 PDT. Pilot proceeded ssw direct and climbed to approximately 10800' MSL. At approximately 1023… ## Docket (13 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on May 10, 2022, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=100038. 29.3 MB in all. - Weather study (item 1, PDF, 13 pages, 2.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13764103&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=WX_WPR19FA216_Study_v2-Rel.pdf - Radar track google earth images (item 2, PDF, 5 pages, 11.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13231368&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Radar%20Track%20Google%20Earth%20Images-Rel.pdf - Radar-raw data (item 3, PDF, 24 pages, 236 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13231217&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=N350CL%20Raw%20Radar%20Data%20File-Rel.pdf - NTSB accident site and wreckage examination summary (item 4, PDF, 12 pages, 14 photos, 3.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13261839&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=WPR19FA216%20Accident%20Site%20Examination%20Summary-Rel.pdf - Continental motors-factual report (item 5, PDF, 6 pages, 4.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13230158&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Continental%20Motors%20Engine%20Examination%20Report_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Email-foreflight information (item 6, PDF, 1 page, 164 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13828190&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Email-ForeFlight%20flightplan%20and%20wx%20brief%20pdf_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Aircraft POH stall speed excerpts (item 7, PDF, 2 pages, 164 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13764919&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Pages%20from%20Lancair%20Legacy%20RG%20POH-2-Rel.pdf - Aopa-stall speed in the Lancair (item 8, PDF, 11 pages, 635 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13764376&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Lancair%20IV-P%20-%20AOPA-Rel.pdf - Pilot log (item 9, PDF, 11 pages, 4.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13263425&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Pilot%20Log_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Statement of party representatives to NTSB investigation-cmi (item 10, PDF, 1 page, 224 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13763460&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Certification%20of%20Party%20Representative%20CMI_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Release of aircraft wreckage, NTSB form 6120.15 (item 11, PDF, 1 page, 1.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13764146&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Wreckage%20Release_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Toxicology report-pilot (item 12, PDF, 1 page, 225 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13319453&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Pilot%20Tox_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Autopsy memo (item 13, PDF, 1 page, 117 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13764188&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Autopsy%20Memo-Rel.pdf From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.