Amateur-built LANCAIR 320 N42BK accident near Hubbard, Oregon

Probable cause

The loss of control during takeoff for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment from an over-the-counter sedating medication.

NTSB analysis

After what appeared to be a normal takeoff roll and liftoff, the airplane flew about half way down the runway before its pitch attitude increased slightly and it began to roll to nearly 90 degrees of bank. Witnesses stated that, at that point, there was a smooth but significant reduction in engine power. The airplane then descended into the terrain with the landing gear still fully extended. A postacccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of a flight control system anomaly or malfunction. The pilot, who did not possess a valid Federal Aviation Administration medical certificate, had a history of progressive coronary artery disease and aviation-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Post-mortem toxicology testing was consistent with a recent ingestion of a sedating over-the-counter antihistamine. Witness descriptions of the accident are potentially consistent with an incapacitating cardiac event, sudden psychological symptoms related to PTSD, or interference by the pilot’s dog (who was sitting in the passenger seat) with the aircraft controls. It is likely that the pilot was impaired by his recent use of the over-the-counter medication and that his response to an undetermined unexpected event was adversely affected by such impairment.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11LA064 for the full record.