Amateur-built BUSHBY MUS N37JD accident near Gladwin, Michigan

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control for undetermined reasons.

NTSB analysis

After completing a 16-hour shift at work, the pilot flew the airplane for a local flight. Radar data showed the airplane depart to the north and execute a series of maneuvers approximately 25 miles north of the departure airport before radar contact was lost. A witness who was flying his own airplane observed the accident airplane and attempted to communicate via radio; however, no communication was established. The accident site was located in heavily wooded terrain and the airplane came to rest in a nose-down attitude, approximately 2 miles south-southwest of the last radar target. There was no postimpact fire. Examination of the airplane by Federal Aviation Administration inspectors revealed no anomalies to the airframe and engine that would have precluded normal operation. Toxicological tests were positive for unspecified levels of ephedrine, fluconazole, and pseudoephedrine, and none of the drugs are typically regarded as impairing. The pilot was likely fatigued, though the investigation was unable to establish that the pilot's fatigue played a role in the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09LA512 for the full record.