Single-engine aircraft accident involving flat spin

3 fatalities • New Bern, United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft entered a left-hand flat spin and impacted the ground following a low-altitude flight over a wooded area.

What happened

During the flight, witnesses observed the aircraft type flying at a low altitude over a wooded region with its landing gear retracted. The aircraft was seen banking to the left and pitching downward before transitioning into a nose-up attitude. This maneuver resulted in the aircraft entering a left-hand flat spin. The descent concluded when the plane struck the ground in an upright position. At the time of impact, the landing gear remained retracted and the flaps were symmetrically extended to 6 degrees.

Prior to the accident, the pilot had been undergoing training on this specific model, having completed six training sessions with a total of 1 hour 23 minutes of flight time. Since those sessions, the pilot had accumulated an additional 3 hours 37 minutes of flight time while accompanied by qualified pilots. The flight in question was the pilot's first solo operation of this aircraft type without a multiengine-rated pilot on board. While the aircraft was over its maximum takeoff weight, it was within the permitted weight and balance limits at the time of the crash.

Findings

An inspection of the engines and flight control systems showed no signs of mechanical malfunction or failure occurring prior to the impact. During the investigation, it was noted that the gear warning light was illuminated at the time of the accident. However, a cabin door was found ajar, and the light indicating the door was closed was not illuminated.

Probable cause

The pilot's lack of experience in the specific aircraft type during a solo flight led to the aircraft entering a flat spin.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-11-09 Piper PA-60 Aerostar (Ted Smith 600) accident near New Bern, United States of America?

An aircraft entered a left-hand flat spin and impacted the ground following a low-altitude flight over a wooded area.

Were there any fatalities in the 1996-11-09 Piper PA-60 Aerostar (Ted Smith 600) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-11-09 involved a Piper PA-60 Aerostar (Ted Smith 600), registration N8239J, operated by James H. Doering, at New Bern, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's lack of experience in the specific aircraft type during a solo flight led to the aircraft entering a flat spin.

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