6) MISHANDLED ABN., C-FIT

Davis DA-3 | N88DT

April 4th, 2024 | Antlers, Oklahoma

Accident Location

  • City: Antlers
  • State: Oklahoma
  • Latitude: 34.17056
  • Longitude: -95.662778
  • Airport ID: 80F

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: N88DT
  • Make: Davis
  • Model: DA-3
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: Yes

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: David, Brian
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age: 62
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: No
  • Pilot Certification: Private Pilot
  • IFR Rating: No
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: 3rd Class Medical
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: April 4th, 2024
  • Time: 7:00 PM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Day
  • VMC / IMC: VMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Initial Climb
  • Total People Onboard: 3
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities: 2
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 3
  • NTSB No: CEN24FA148
  • NTSB Travel: No
  • AQP Classification: 6) MISHANDLED ABN., C-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that no signs of engine problems could be found, and the weather at the time was perfect. The homebuilt aircraft had a very low useful load, and yet three male adults and a fuel supply were on board at the time of the crash. While the exact circumstances of this crash may never be know, it may be reasonably concluded that an abnormal occurred after the normal takeoff, causing the pilot to become distracted and to maneuver the aircraft, possibly allowing an increased G load and flight below DMMS, therefore causing an aerodynamic stall. It is known that the aircraft did stall, spin, and hit terrain in a vertical flight profile. The exact weight and balance could not be determined, however the aircraft was known to prohibit flight with a passenger in the rear seat due to resulting aft CG conditions.

NTSB: NONE

Recommendation

DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft closely monitor weight and balance limitations during pre flight planning, and commit to bugging and honoring DMMS during flight. The DTSB recommends below 2500 AGL, not more than 30 degrees bank, and not less than DMMS for all aircraft.

NTSB: NONE

DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.