12) LOSS OF SPEED AWARENESS, U-FIT

Piper PA-28-236 | N8438B

April 1st, 2024 | Muncie, Indiana

Accident Location

  • City: Muncie
  • State: Indiana
  • Latitude: 40.235157
  • Longitude: -85.405945
  • Airport ID: KMIE

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: N8438B
  • Make: Piper
  • Model: PA-28-236
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: No

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Richards, Craig
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age: 65
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: No
  • Pilot Certification: Private Pilot
  • IFR Rating: Yes
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: 3rd Class Medical
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: April 1st, 2024
  • Time: 10:25 AM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Day
  • VMC / IMC: IMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Approach
  • Total People Onboard: 1
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities: 0
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 1
  • NTSB No: CHI04LA080
  • NTSB Travel: Yes
  • AQP Classification: 12) LOSS OF SPEED AWARENESS, U-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error. The Instrument rated pilot conducted an IFR approach to runway 14. The current weather at the field was variable 500 feet overcast and around 6 miles visibility at the time of his arrival. The pilot flew slightly right of course and likely did not get the runway in sight until much too late, where he then attempted to stay visual and maneuver for a visual landing with two tight right-hand turns. In the process of the second tight right turn at around 400-500 AGL, the aircraft maneuvered well below DMMS speed and stalled, impacting the walking trail and two other persons. The two other persons were seriously injured. The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be: 1) The pilot’s improper decision to maneuver following a failed straight in IFR approach. 2) The pilot’s failure to be aware of and honor DMMS limitations during the maneuvering attempt.

NTSB: NONE

Recommendation

DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft become familiar with DMMS and honor it in both IMC and VMC conditions. The DTSB recommends the following limitations: Below 2500 AGL, not more than 30 degrees bank, not less than DMMS. The DTSB also recommends that pilots do not attempt to salvage obviously unsatisfactory straight in IFR approaches by maneuvering.

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.