THE DTSB
The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be pilot error, in that the pilot allowed the plane to slow well below DMMS during the documented in flight engine abnormal. Both occupants were experienced pilots, and both became abnormally distracted in the act of trouble shooting the engine abnormal, and allowed the aircraft to stall, then spin. A suitable open field was located just to the right of the flight path but no attempt was made to turn towards it.
NTSB
Probable Cause issued 4/15/2026 – 25 months after the accident: The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin.
THE DTSB
The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft be fully prepared for the in flight abnormal (AQP 6), and the immediate and intense distraction that they can cause. Use AQP conditioning to prepare for this scenario through education, rehearsal, and conditioning to lower the nose, maintain DMMS, turn towards a suitable off field landing area, then trouble shoot as time permits.
NTSB
None issued. NTSB recommendations are rare and usually tied to high-profile accidents.
See the NTSB Recommendation Tracker →