Probable cause
Pilot’s inadequate supervision of the pilot rated passenger’s actions, which led to a high descent rate and collision with obstacles.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was flying with a pilot rated passenger who was becoming familiar with the flight characteristics of the airplane. As they turned final for the runway, the airplane began a rapid descent. The. pilot took control of the airplane and added full power for a go-around; however, he was unable to recover. The airplane subsequently struck an airport light pole, lost directional control, and came to rest inverted in a gravel parking lot, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot stated he did not monitor the developing situation fast enough to recover. He reported that the airplane had no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA21LA236 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 29, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Winder, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Barrow County (WDR)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
ZODIAC CH601XL
- N-number
- N601MX
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2006
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.