U-FITAQP: 21) THE IMPOSSIBLE TURN

Cirrus SR-22 GTS X G3 | N255JP

Little Rock, Arkansas

  • DTSB analysis published
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Key facts

  • DateJanuary 21, 2024
  • Local time1:15 PM
  • LightDay
  • WeatherVMC
  • Phase of flightTakeoff
  • People on board1
  • Fatalities1
  • AirportKLIT
  • NTSB numberCEN24FA095
  • NTSB statusUnder investigation

Accident Location

City, State
Little Rock, Arkansas
Latitude
34.733019
Longitude
-92.218553
Airport ID
KLIT

Aircraft Info

N Number
N255JP
Make
Cirrus
Model
SR-22 GTS X G3
Category / Class
Aircraft Single Engine Land
Amateur Built
No

Pilot Info

Pilot in command
Cope, Bill
Gender
Male
Age
62
Certification
Airline Transport Pilot
IFR rating
Yes
Medical
2nd Class Medical
Flight school
No
Instructional flight
No

Analysis

Weather
VMC
Time of day
Day
Phase of flight
Takeoff
Pilot error
Yes
Pilot incapacitation
No
People on board
1
PIC fatality
1
Total fatalities
1
NTSB number
CEN24FA095
NTSB travel
Yes

Probable Cause

THE DTSB

The DTSB determines the probable Cause of this accident to be pilot error. The pilot started this aircraft and began taxi without allowing time for the engine to warm up, the application of takeoff power came within a few minutes of start. The pilot reported that he lost engine power after takeoff from runway 04L, and initiated an immediate and aggressive left turn. The pilot stalled the aircraft in an accelerated stall due to the impossible turn attempt at an altitude too low for either CAPS deployment or a stall recovery.

NTSB

None yet (final report not yet published).

Recommendation

THE DTSB

The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft become familiar with the deadly Impossible Turn AQP scenario and condition themselves to lower the nose and land straight ahead, open the door and step out. Straight Ahead.

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