6) MISHANDLED ABN., C-FIT

Lancair 360 | N510G

October 20th, 2024 | Cross City, Florida

Accident Location

  • City: Cross City
  • State: Florida
  • Latitude: 29.642615
  • Longitude: -83.097656
  • Airport ID: KCTY

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: N510G
  • Make: Lancair
  • Model: 360
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: Yes

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Mahler, Gregory William
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age: 75
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: No
  • Pilot Certification: Commercial Pilot
  • IFR Rating: Yes
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: Basic Med
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: October 20th, 2024
  • Time: 4:00 PM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Day
  • VMC / IMC: VMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Approach
  • Total People Onboard: 2
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities: 1
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 2
  • NTSB No: ERA25FA020
  • NTSB Travel: Unknown
  • 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 the pilot approached the airport with a known electrical abnormal, and elected to circle the field while talking to Unicom on a back up hand held radio. The aircraft powerplant relied on an electrically generated ignition system, and while maneuvering over the airport, the pilot asked if his landing gear was down or not. The aircraft ultimately lost engine power and entered an immediate right hand turn, possibly for landing on the runway, whereupon the aircraft stalled and impacted in a nose low attitude.

NTSB: NONE

Recommendation

DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft rehearse and conditions themselves for the proper handling of in flight electrical abnormals in aircraft that rely on electricity for flaps, landing gear, and engine ignition.

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.