Sabre Tukan N75604 accident near Mohawk, Tennessee

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of control in flight due to a lack of flight experience or instruction. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to the recent use of marijuana and a prescription painkiller.

NTSB analysis

Witnesses reported strong gusting wind from the east, but the pilot elected to take off to the west. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft dragged the left wing on the turf runway and nearly collided with a camper. The aircraft climbed between 100 and 150 feet above ground level, and made a “hard left turn” before it entered a nose-down descent and impacted terrain. Witnesses described the engine sound as “wide open” throughout the takeoff and accident sequence. A search of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)records revealed that the pilot held no pilot certificates, nor was there any record of his applying for an FAA medical certificate. A family member reported that the pilot elected to take his first flight in the aircraft solo and without prior instruction. Toxicology testing was consistent with impairment due to recent use of marijuana and a prescription painkiller.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09LA013 for the full record.