Beech 35 N1888D accident near Melba, Idaho

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of control during a low-level aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to the effects of alcohol and antidepressant medication.

NTSB analysis

Shortly after takeoff in his airplane that was not approved for aerobatics, the airline transport pilot performed an aileron roll about 500 ft above ground level. He departed the airport traffic pattern, then returned and landed about 15 minutes later. The pilot taxied the airplane back to the runway and initiated another takeoff, during which he leveled off and accelerated the airplane about 50 ft above the ground, retracted the landing gear, and initiated a climb and an aileron roll. A witness reported that, about 135° into the maneuver, the airplane stopped rolling, then entered a descent that continued until ground impact. Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Toxicological testing of the pilot revealed impairing levels of ethanol in addition to two impairing antidepressant medications. The circumstances of the accident are consistent with the pilot's loss of control during a low-level aerobatic maneuver. It is likely that the pilot's recent alcohol ingestion and his use of antidepressant medications affected his decision making and attention and contributed to the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR19FA150 for the full record.