ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 45220
This information is added by users of ASN. Neither ASN nor the Flight Safety Foundation are responsible for the completeness or correctness of this information.
If you feel this information is incomplete or incorrect, you can submit corrected information.
| Date: | Monday 19 May 2003 |
| Time: | 01:30 |
| Type: | Air & Space 18A |
| Owner/operator: | Private |
| Registration: | N6155S |
| MSN: | 18-66 |
| Engine model: | Lycoming O-360-A1D |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | South Shore, SD -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | En route |
| Nature: | Private |
| Departure airport: | Sioux Falls, SD (FSD) |
| Waterton, SD (ATY) | |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
The gyroplane was destroyed when it impacted the terrain near the top of a hill while on a night cross-country flight. The pilot held a student pilot certificate issued three months prior to the accident. No records were recovered that indicated that the pilot had completed the knowledge or practical tests for further certificates or ratings. No pilot flight records were recovered during the investigation. The aircraft wreckage was found on a direct line between the last departure point and the intended destination. An employee of a fixed base operator at the last departure point stated that the pilot asked if there was a place where he could check the weather. The employee stated that he believed that the weather was of concern to the pilot. He stated that the pilot told him that he had a difficult time finding the last departure point. Marginal night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. A weather reporting station located about 16 statute miles southwest of the accident site recorded 5 statute miles visibility, a broken ceiling at 2,200 feet above ground level and light rain and mist. The temperature-dewpoint spread was recorded as 1 degree Celsius. A postaccident examination was conducted, however control system continuity or structural integrity could not be determined because of the extensive impact and fire damage. A "Final Forensic Toxicology Fatal Accident Report" revealed the presence of FLUOXETINE and NORFLUOXETINE. Fluoxetine is a prescription antidepressant also indicated for the use of obsessive-compulsive disorder and bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder) and often known by the trade name Prozac. Norfluoxetine is a metabolite of fluoxetine. The student pilot held a Statement of Demonstrated Ability for monocularity (he had functional vision in only one eye) due to a congenital cataract. He did not note the use of fluoxetine or any other antidepressant on his application for airman medical and student pilot certificate, nor did he indicate on that application any diagnoses for which fluoxetine is indicated.
Probable Cause: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain. The pilot's lack of experience, the rain, the dark night, the low ceiling, and the rising terrain were contributing factors to the accident.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
NTSB: https://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief.aspx?ev_id=20030523X00723&key=1
Location
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 28-Oct-2008 00:45 | ASN archive | Added |
| 21-Dec-2016 19:24 | ASN Update Bot | Updated [Time, Damage, Category, Investigating agency] |
| 08-Dec-2017 18:43 | ASN Update Bot | Updated [Aircraft type, Source, Narrative, Plane category] |
Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description
The Aviation Safety Network is an exclusive service provided by:
Quick Links:
| ASN Home | Send Correction / Feedback |
| FSF Home | Disclaimer | Copyright |
| Contact Us | Privacy Policy |
| Press / Media |
CONNECT WITH US:
©2024 Flight Safety Foundation