Accident Details
During the approach to runway 9, the tower controller instructed the pilot to execute an "S" turn at a distance of 3 miles from the runway. The pilot initiated the turn to the left, and after banking back to the right to complete the maneuver, the controller advised that the turn was no longer necessary and that the pilot could proceed onto final approach. At that moment, the last recorded ground speed was 89 knots, and the pilot banked the airplane sharply to the left. Witnesses reported that the airplane appeared to execute a wing-over maneuver onto its back and then descend straight down.
Investigation Findings
Flight simulation tests revealed that when making a steep turn without adding power, as the bank angle increases, airspeed decreases, potentially leading to an aerodynamic stall. Toxicology testing indicated that the pilot had been using tramadol, a prescription painkiller with potentially impairing effects. The pilot had not reported this medication use on his most recent application for an airman medical certificate, submitted approximately 20 months prior to the accident. The investigation noted that it was unclear what role, if any, the medication or the condition for which it was used played in the accident.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during final approach, resulting in an aerodynamic stall.