Socata TBM700 N484RJ accident near Kennesaw, Georgia

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during final approach resulting in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB analysis

During approach to runway 9, the tower controller instructed the pilot to perform an “S” turn 3 miles from the runway. The pilot initiated the “S” turn to the left, and after turning back to the right towards the runway to complete the other half of the turn, the controller advised the pilot that he did not need to finish the maneuver, and could turn onto final approach. The last recorded ground speed was 89 knots when the pilot banked the airplane sharply to the left at this time, witnesses stated that the airplane seemed to do a wing over onto its back and go straight down. Flight simulation tests revealed that while making a steep turn and not adding power, as the bank angle increased the airspeed would decrease and the airplane would enter an aerodynamic stall. Toxicology testing indicated that the pilot had been using tramadol, a prescription painkiller with potentially impairing effects. The pilot had not reported its use on his most recent application for airman medical certificate approximately 20 months prior to the accident. It is unclear what role, if any, the medication or the condition for which it might have been used played in the accident. The pilot had accumulated over 975 hours of total time in all aircraft and 44.3 hours total time in the accident airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for MIA08FA141 for the full record.