NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD

PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORT

This form to be used for reporting civil and public aircraft accidents and incidents
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Accident/Inciden t Dateffime

Accident/Inciden t Location
Nearest City/Place:
ZIP: 2_0(, lq
Latitude:

~8

CA L I r:=t> R

flit A

Country:

v~A

tiJ

5f)

State:

Longitude:

fr1 Q

1b

3~

..... :..' ,\
.AIRCRAFtINEGRM~116N'
Registration Number: .A/ 4 3 2. j-L.
PtPcll... f} I R...C..R..Y-\~ T
Manufacturer:

PA ?...R-

Serial Number:

Amateur-Built: CYes
@No
Category of Aircraft
8Airplane
CBalloon
C Blimp/Dirigible
CGiider
CGyroplane
CHelicopter
C Powered Lift
CRocket
Ultralight
CUnknown

Time Zone:

' ; '<

.... .. : ;.
;

Number of Seats:

JLV o

Cabin Crew Seats:

2.0 - f:-2A

ONe.
Engine Type (Select one)
CLiquid Rocket
0 Reciprocating
CSolid Rocket
CTurbo Shaft
CHybrid Rocket
CTurbo Prop
CNone
CTurboJet
CUnknown
CTurboFan
CElectric

Landing Gear
(Check all that apply)
0Retractable
II!!ITricycle

OTailwheel

DAmphibian
DEmergency Float
OF Ioat
OHull

DHighSkid
0Skid
0Ski
0Ski!Wheel

D Other Launch/Recovery System

Fuel System Type (Reciprocating)

CFuel-lnjected
CCarburetor

0Unknown

0None

Manufacturer's
Serial Number

Flight Crew Seats:

Passenger Seats:

Number of Engines:

0Certificate of Authorization or Waiver (COA)

0Unknown
ON one

p-~

Date
of Mfg.
mmlddlyyyy

'L 2..(..,3 I 2.-2-7G-

Total
Rated Power
@) Horsepower or Time
l(honrs)
C lbs of Thrust

I So

ti'-ID

Time Since:
Inspection Overhaul
I (boors) I (boors)
(D

Eng.2
Eng.3
Eng. 4

Propeller 1

Last Inspection Type

@100-Hour
C AAIP
C Annual

Ccontinuous Airworthiness
C Conditional Inspection
CUnknown

Date Last Inspection:

l iD

2.c>i 5

mmlddlyyyy
hrs
Airframe Total Time: (0 .Oe>l:>
one)
(Select
at
measured
hours
t>Time of Accident/Incident
CLast Inspection

Type of Maintenance Program (Select one)

CAnnual
C Conditional (Amateur-built only)
C Manufacturer's Inspection Program
8 Other Approved Inspection Program (AAIP)
C Continuous Airworthiness
C Other, specifY:
Description of Fire Extinguishing System
CNone
Pctt.V\b le.. HA,., ~ He.!-.c\.
C SpecifY:

'

lbs

Weight at Time of Accident/Inciden t:

Engine
Model/Series

<~iI

lbs

Maximum Gross Weight:

Type of Airworthiness Certificate

(Check all that apply)
Special
Standard
0 Restricted
i!!INormal
OLimited
OAerobatic
D Provisional
0Balloon
D Special Flight
0Commuter
D Experimental
DTransport
D Special Light-Sport
0Utility
D Experimental Light-Sport

Enl!ine Manufacturer

,Ji.. ' :, < ;}

!:.; . .

D Commercial Space Flight

0 Unmanned Aircraft

Make:
C Original Design

Ly.vc..o---n .. iV'I

.. , <

EST'

Iii IFR-Equipped and Certified

If Yes: CKit/Plans

Eng. I

. :

8 oo (2m
COn-ground Iii} None

Collision with Other Aircraft: OMidair

I q II

Enl!ine

Local Time:

oo_"j

Lt 1)
28-712.. 52.\ '1

Year of Manufacture:

[01_(!)()

mmlddlyyyy

(Enter in decimal degrees or degrees:minutes:seconds)

Model:

t2..

Date:

ti)Fixed Pitch
CControllable Pitch
CGround Adjustable

Propeller 2

Manufacturer:

Manufacturer:

Model:

Model:

C Fixed Pitch
C Controllable Pitch
CGround Adjustable

Additional Equipment (Check all that apply)

CNo
ELT Installed: 8Yes
0ADS-B
If Yes:
0 Airframe Parachute
ELT Manufacturer:
DAngle of Attack Indicator
Model or Part No.:
OAutopilot
TSO No.: f>C91 (121.5 MHz) CC91a (121.5 MHz)
0 Data Recorder
CC126 (406 MHz)
OElectronic Flight Bag or Handheld Device
Multifunction Display
OElectronic
Was ELT still mounted in aircraft? ~Yes CNo
OElectronic Primary Flight Display
Was ELT still connected to antenna? OYes CNo
0Handheld GPS
Did ELT Activate? CYes CNo
0Heads Up Display
Ifactivated:
D Onboard Weather
Did ELT Aid in Locating Aircraft: CYes CNo
D Satellite Tracking Device
OStall Warning System
Ifnot activated:
OVideo Recording Device
Indicate Reason: 0 Impact Damage
OOther, SpecifY:
DFire Damage
D Battery Expired/Damaged
Ounknown

City: \7(~\u

Registered Aircraft Owner

Name: Pr.rT'-")(e,.v\

R_,v:zt<

Fractional Ownership Aircraft:

Yes

{llfW'-(

clvb

e'-{liV9

State:

Doing Business A s : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Air Carrier/Operator Designator (4 Character Code): - - - - - - - - -

Revenue Operation for FAR 121, 125, 129, 135

(Select one for each group)

0
0

OFAR415
0FAR431
0FAR435
0FAR437

QDomestic
International

Scheduled or Commuter
Non-Scheduled or Air Taxi

0Passenger
QCargo
0 Mail Contract Only

0 FAR 91 Special Flight

ONon-US, Commercial
ONon-US, Non-commercial

Purpose of Flight for FAR 91,103,133,137

0Public Aircraft (Select one)
0 Armed Forces
0Federal
OState
0Local

(Select one)

0
0

Aerial Application
Aerial Observation
OAirDrop
0 Air Race/Show
OBannerTow
QBusiness
0 Executive/Corporate
0 External Load
QFerry

OUnknown

Air Medical Flight

Revenue Sightseeing Flight

QYes

OFAR 129
0FAR 133
QFAR 135
OFAR 137

@)FAR91
QFAR 103
OFAR 121
0FAR 125

ZIP:------ --

State: - - - - - - -

Regulation Flight Conducted Under

OAirCargo
0Foreign Air Carriers (FAR 129)
ORotorcraft External Load (FAR 133)
0Commuter Air Carrier (FAR 135)
Don-Demand Air Taxi (FAR 135)
0Commercial Air Tour (FAR 136)
0Agricultural Aircraft (FAR 137)
0Pilot School (FAR 141)
0Certificate of Authorization or Waiver
0Commercial Space Transportation
Experimental Permit
0Commercial Space Transportation License
0 Other Operator of Large Aircraft

'2.. i::J lo 'i 0

Country: _______ _________

(Check all that apply)

0 Flag Carrier Operating Certificate (FAR 121)

0 Supplemental

ZIP:

&!t Same Address as Registered Owner

City: ____________ ____________ ______

1!1 Same As Registered Owner

Operator of Aircraft
_____________ ______________
_____________
Name: _____________

HI None

ft1 j)

Country:_u__s_~------------------------

No

Operating Certificates Held

t--e;T Rw'e(L...-

QYes

@)No

QUnknown

Firefighting
0Fiight Test
OGiiderTow
8 Instructional
00ther Work Use
0Personal
0Positioning
0Skydiving

f)No

ij2'sm
Distance F rom Airport Center: --'----------

___<..________ __________
Airport Identifier: __..._!.N-=----=z_=-w

__________ degrees true

Direction From Airport: ____z_cl_o

Proximity to Airport: 0 Off Airport/Airstrip

_______ ft. msl

Airport Elevation: ______i_'-1_2-

@On Airport/Airstrip

ON!A

Condition of Runway/Landing Surface (Check all that apply)

Runway Information
Runway ID:

(LIR/C) Length:

{ (

L( i " 0

ft

ft Width:

Dirt

0
0
0

Grass/Turf
Gravel
Ice

0
0
0

Macadam
Metal/Wood
Snow

Dry

0 Holes

0
0
0

Runway/Landing Surface (Check all that apply)

&!it Asphalt
O Concrete

111!1

Ice Covered
Rough
Rubber Deposits
0Slush-Covered

OWater
OUnknown

D Snow-Compacted
D Snow-Crusted

0
0

0
0
0
0

Snow-Dry
Snow-Wet
Soft
Vegetation

Water-Calm
Water-Choppy
0 Water-Glassy
OWet
Unknown

Approach/Departure Segment (Select one)

OTaxi
OTakeoff
0Initial Climb

0VFR Departure
OIFR Departure Procedure/Clearance

Oon Instrument Approach

OLanding

0Downwind
OBase
Q)Final
0Crosswind

0 Low Approach
OGoAround
0Aborted Landing (after touchdown)
OUnknown

IFR Approach (Check all that apply)

VFR Approach (Check all that apply)

J!!!INone

ONone

OADF/NDB
0SDF
OVOR!TVOR
OVOR!DME
0TACAN

OPAR
0Sidestep
OILS
OLocalizer Only
OLOC-back course
ORNAV

OMLS
0LDA
OASR
0Visual
0Contact
0Circling

OPractice
0GPS

1!1 Traffic Pattern

0 Straight-In
0 Valley/Terrain Following
OGoAround
0Full Stop

OUnknown

OStopandGo
0 Touch and Go
0 Simulated Forced Landing
OForced Landing
0 Precautionary Landing
0Unknown

"Flight Crewmemb er 1" Responsibilities at the Time of Accident/Incident

0 Co-Pilot

0 Pilot

eFlight Instructor

0 Student Pilot

DYes

"Flight Crewmemb er 1" was pilot flying

0 Check Pilot

0 Flight Engineer

No

"Flight Crewmemb er 1" Identificatio n

First Name: J c 5 e f h

City ofResidence: Lt"~\/V 'j--ro.-..1

Middle Initial: _=:.5__

State:

0 Z..\ ~ UJ ' . -

Last Name:

0 Other Flight Crew

f? P R ~

ZIP: '2. 19 {;; S" 3

SA

8D

Age at time of Accident/Incident:

mm/dd/yyyy

Date of Birth:

Certificate Number:
Degree oflnjury

Seat Occupied

0 None
O Minor
0 Serious

0 Left
@) Right
0 Center

0 Fatal
0 Unknown

0 Front
ORear
0 Single

OUnknown

li!tCommercial
0 Airline Transport
0 Flight Engineer

1!!!!1 Flight Instructor

0 Recreational
0 Sport

Used

Available
ONone
OLaponly
f>3-point
04--point
05-point
OUnknown

Pilot Certificate(s) (Check all that apply)

0None
0 Private
0 Student

Inflatable Restraints

Restraint Type

0 us Military
OForeign

Principal Occupation

Medical Certificate

Medical Certificate Validity

0 Pilot
@) Other
Unknown

t'tClass 3
Driver's License (Sport Pilot only)
Unknown

None
Class l
Class 2

L.V e..A

Medical Certificate Limitations

II Not Installed

ONone
OLap only
83-point
04--point
05-point
OUnknown

Without limitations/waivers
@J With limitations/waivers
0 Special Issuance

0 Installed

D Not Deployed
ODeployed
QUnknown

Date of Last Medical

OUnknown
0NIA

en

02. Lol<-t

mmldd/yyyy

L e> R Ree-ll ve

Medical Certificate Special Issuance

Date of Last Flight Review

or Equivalent, Including
FAR 1211135 Checks:

Flight Review Aircraft

Make:

3i

Model:

mm/dd/yyyy

(' l' e.~

pII 2..8' .~ It-{ o

Airplane Rating(s)

Other Aircraft Rating(s)

Instrument Rating(s)

Instructor Rating(s)

(Check all that apply)

(Check all that apply)

(Check all that apply)

(Check all that apply)

ONone
liiJ Single-Engine Land
0 Single-Engine Sea
11!1 Multiengine Land
0 Multiengine Sea

0None
0 Airship
0 Balloon
0 Glider
0 Gyroplane
D Helicopter
0 Powered Lift

ONone
li!!l Airplane
0 Helicopter
0 Powered Lift

ONone
I!!IJ Airplane Single-Engine
0 Airplane Multi-Engine
0 Gyroplane
0 Powered Lift

0
0
0
0

Instrument Airplane
Instrument Helicopter
Helicopter
Glider
Sport

Student Endorseme nts (Include dates)

Type Ratings

All

This Make

Glider

Lighter
Than Air

~Y.lo:'i

1'-, .:..: ''" .-...-..;;., '

J.'~r'-1

'"';2:':- 1

..

'-~Vid_::~.i~'"f.-_c/. .; -, . . . .

- t;:'r,'

.:,::.<i'';c'_J~<:.>>-.:,:;;.,_, ~r

...

"Flight Crewmember 2" Responsibilities at the Time of Accident/Incident

Oco-Pilot

OPilot

0Fiight Instructor

Q) Student Pilot

"Flight Crewmember 2" was pilot flying

DYes

0Check Pilot

"Flight Crewmember 2" Identification

('YI ~ fl.. v:..
First Name:
Middle Initial:

Last Name:

~[!GL~"'~

--A

2.:2

.. I

Date of Birth:
Certificate Number:

0Front
ORear
Osingle

8'Left
0Right
Ocenter

0Unknown

D Commercial
0 Airline Transport
D Flight Engineer

0 Flight Instructor
D Recreational
0 Sport

Z.DlO lq

mmlddlyyyy

Principal Occupation

Medical Certificate

0 Pilot
0 Other
0 Unknown

ONone
0 Class I
0 Class2

Inflatable Restraints
Used

Available

D us Military
OForeign

,i!)'Not Installed
Oinstalled
0 Not Deployed
0Deployed
OUnknown

0 None
0 Lap only
@I)> 3-point
0 4-point
0 5-point
0 Unknown

ONone
OLaponly
03-point
04-point
0 5-point
0Unknown

Pilot Certificate(s) (Check all that apply)

None
Private
D Student

ZIP:

Restraint Type

Seat Occupied

0 Fatal
0 Unknown

HI
0

/'\'1 D

State:

Degree oflnjury

00ther Flight Crew

City of Residence: CALt(-DR.N tl-=\

Age at time of Accident/Incident:

eNone
0 Minor
0 Serious

OFlightEngineer

ONo

Date of Last Medical

Medical Certificate Validity

0 Without limitations/waivers
0 With limitations/waivers
0 Special Issuance

0Ciass 3
0 Driver's License (Sport Pilot only)
OUnknown

0 Unknown
ON/A
mmlddlyyyy

Medical Certificate Limitations

Medical Certificate Special Issuance

Flight Review Aircraft

Date of Last Flight Review

or Equivalent, Including
FAR 1211135 Checks:

Make:
Model:

mmlddlyyyy

Airplane Rating(s)

Other Aircraft Rating(s)

Instrument Rating(s)

Instructor Rating(s)

(Check all that apply)

(Check all that apply)

(Check all that apply)

(Check all that apply)

1!1
0

If!! None

@None
DAirplane
OHelicopter
D Powered Lift

None
Single-Engine Land
D Single-Engine Sea
0 Multiengine Land
0 Multiengine Sea

Airship
0 Balloon
0 Glider
0 Gyroplane
0 Helicopter
0 Powered Lift

0
D
D
D
D

None
Airplane Single-Engine
Airplane Multi-Engine
Gyroplane
Powered Lift

Instrument Airplane
D Instrument Helicopter
D Helicopter
D Glider
0 Sport

Student Endorsements (Include dates)

Type Ratings

Airplane

Flight Time (Enter appropriate

number!f!l!!.urs in each -bo~

_Total Time
Pilot in Comm~n<\ (PIC)

All
Aircraft

i'5
0

This Make
&Model

Airplane
Multiengine

15'

1>"

"'

'
'}

Last90 Days
_Las! 30 Days

Night

Time as Instructor
This

Englue

').1.

.z

CZ.

' ~

2.'i

Last 24 Hours

Actual

Shn1tlatPol

Rotorcraft

Glider

Lighter
Than Air

Last Departure Point

Airport ID:

ktv H

Time of Departure

\o(.

City: P~tTv l\etvT' Cl..\.rt!

Time: ( .. 3,0

a...

Time Zone:

State: MV
Country:

Destination

(?'"""

Type Flight Plan Filed

KJV' H l<.

State: M 1)

0 None
0 Company VFR
0 Military VFR
@JVFR

Country: V S. f.:t-

Activated?

Airport ID:

City l'f4"1"'u'fe,.,.t fJ...,..tel!,.

f:S r

tJ S P.

0 VFRIIFR
0 IFR
0 Unknown

0Yes 0No 0Unknown

Type of ATC Clearance/Service (Check all that apply)

iff

0 Special IFR
OVFROnTop

0 Special VFR
0 IFR

None
0 VFR

0 VFR Flight Following

0 Traffic Advisory

0 Cruise
0 Unknown INA

Airspace where the accident/incident occurred (Check all that apply)

0 Military Operations Area (MOA)
0 Airport Advisory Area
0 Jet Training Area
OTRSA
0FAR93

0Class G
ODemo Area
0Waming Area
0Prohibited Area
0Restricted Area

Class A
Class B
Class C
Class D
1!!!!1 Class E

0
0
0
0

Facility ID: - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

0Company
0Military
0Intemet
ONone
OUnknown

Observation T i m e : - - - - - - - - - - - Time Z o n e : - - - - - - - - - - - - - Distance from Accident S i t e : - - - - - - - nm

Direction from Accident Site:

Basic Conditions

Light Condition

8VMC
0IMC
OUnknown

0Dawn
ODay

Sky/Lowest Cloud Condition

0 Thin Broken
0 Clear

Ceiling

0 Few
0 Partial Obscuration
0 Scattered

0 Thin Overcast
0 Unknown

@Dark Night
OBright Night

0Dusk
ONight

OObscured
0 Indefinite
OUnknown

0 Broken
0 Overcast

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ft agl

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ft agl

Wind Direction

Wind Speed

Wind Gusts

lil!l Variable

Sl

1!1 Not Gusting

degrees true

~ None
Rain
Snow
Hail
Rain Showers

0Light
0Moderate
OHeavy
ON!A
OUnknown

0
0
0
0

0 Drizzle
0 Ice Pellets
0 Snow Pellets
0 Snow Grains
0 Ice Crystals

Visibility

0
0
0
0

Type
ON/A
0Rime
Oclear
0Mixed
Ounknown

Amount
@None
OTrace
OLight
OModerate
0Severe
OUnknown

(F)

or

MB

_ _ _ _ _ miles
RVR: ----~feet
RVV: _ _ _ ____,miles

kts

Speed:

Density Altitude:

ft

Restriction to Visibility (Check all that apply)

Freezing Rain
Snow Shower
Ice Pellets Shower
Freezing Drizzle

J!ljNone
Blowing Dust
Blowing Sand
Blowing Snow
O Blowing Spray
0 Dust

0
0
0

0Fog
0 Ground Fog
0 Haze
0 Ice Fog
0 Smoke
0 Unknown

Turbulence

Icing Actual

Icing Forecast

(C)

Altimeter Setting: _ _ _ _ in. Hg

Type of Precipitation (Check all that apply)

Intensity of Precipitation

Amount
t!J None
0Trace
OLight
OModerate
OSevere
0Unknown

Dew Point:

-orkts

OUnknown

or

Ceiling Height

Calm
0 Light and Variable
-orSpeed:

degrees true

Temperature: _ _ _ _ (C) or _ _ _ _ _(F)

f) None (Clear)

Lowest Cloud Condition Height

-orDirection:

_ _ _ _ _ ftmsl

Weather Observation Facility

Source of Pilot Weather Information

(Check all that apply)
I) National Weather Service
0 Flight Service Station
OTV!Radio
0 Automated Report
0 Commercial Weather Service (DUATS)
DOn-Board Weather

Altitude of In-Flight
Occurrence:

OSpecial
0Air Traffic Control Area
OUnknown

Type
ON/A
ORime
Oclear
0Mixed
0Unknown

Type (Check all that apply)

Iii None
OClearAir
0Terrain-Induced
0Convective Turbulence

NOTAMs (D and FDC), AIRMETs, SIGMETs, PIREPs in effect at the time of the accident/incident:

;vo,ve..

Severity
0Light
0Moderate
0Severe
OExtreme

Aircraft Damage

Aircraft Fire

8
0
0

@None
0 In-Flight
0 On-Ground

0
0

None
Minor

Substantial
Destroyed
Unknown

Aircraft Explosion

0
0

Both Ground and In-Flight

Fire at Unknown Time
0Unknown

&None
0 In-Flight
0 On-Ground

0
0

Both Ground and In-Flight

Explosion at Unknown Time
OUnknown

Description of Damage to Aircraft and Other Property (Use additional sheet if necessary)

Of\(Y'Acre

re>

f~o peL-Le(l.-

eN d1

tv"t::.

A' R F 6ZI'l,...

Describe what occurred in chronological order, including circumstances leading to and nature of accident/incident. Describe terrain and include
wreckage distribution sketch if pertinent. Attach extra sheets if needed. State departure time and and location, seJVices obtained, and intended
destination. Provide as much detail as possible.

Operator/Owner Safety Recommendation

Total Time/Cycles
On Part

0 Yes !I No

Was there Mechan ical Malfun ction/F ailure?

no., and describe the failure)

(Ifyes, list the name of the part, manufacturer, part no., serial

_ _ _ _ _ _ Hours
_ _ _ _ _ _ Cycles

Time Since This Part

Inspect ed/Ove rhauled
_ _ _ _ _ _ Hows

Fuel Type

Fuel on Board at Last Takeof f

(Convert from pounds, as necessary)

Gallons

e
0

80/87
100 Low Lead
100/130

0
0
0

1151145

OJetB

Jet A
Jet A-I

0JP8
0 Automotive

0 Other, s p e c i f y - - - - - - - - - -

Other Services, if Any, Prior to Depart ure

1!1 No
0 Yes
Was an emerge ncy evacua tion ofthe aircraf t perform ed?
occupants evacuated each location
Method of Exit - Describe how the occupants exited and how many
2.. oc. c:;.......- i? A tv T' 5
D ~ C> R.
I j) e..

Damag e to Other Aircraf t

-------0 Minor
Manufacturer:---------------0 Destroyed
0 None
Substantial
Model:
Pilot of Other Aircraf t
Registe red Owner of Other Aircraf t
Name: _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ ______
_
____
Name: ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
City: _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
----------- ----- ------------City:
State: _ _ _ _ _ _ _.....;ZIP: - - - - - - - _.:ZIP:----___
___
State: ----_
_____
_____
_____
:
_____
Country
_____
_____
_____
:
Country

Aircraf t Registr ation Numbe r

10

Use this space if additional space is needed for any answers .

Date ofthis Report

12 2-o Z..ot-5
mmlddlyyyy

Name ofPilot/0 .'.

~
Signature: _ _

- or-

---------------

Cne~nere to ~ctrorucrui~gn m1s

aocument

If a Person Other than Pilot/Operator is Filing Report

Name: ------------------------ ------------------------ ----Signature:----------- ------------------------ ----------0 Check here to electronically sign this document
- or -

NTSB Accident/Incident No.

GAA16CA077

Title:---------------- ---------

Name oflnvestigator

Reviewed by NTSB Regional Office

BIGELOW

GAA
11

Date Report Received

12/30/2015

Summary of events of mishap flight on 12/10/2015 in N432FL- Joe Dziewit

The mishap flight started normally from NAS Patuxent River (NHK). The intent was to do a night
familiarization flight in the local area including normal takeoffs and landings. I felt well rested, and was
not under effects of illness, medication, stress, or alcohol. The student was new to night flight. I would
normally not introduce night flight training at this stage in the student's training but his work schedule
made this night the only time he was available. There were military aircraft operating at NHK so we
planned to go to St. Mary's Regional (2W6).
Conditions at 2W6 were calm winds and it was very dark; the darkest I recall there. We activated the
strobes which were very bright. The student correctly entered downwind for runway 11, turned base at
800 MSL, turned final at 500 MSL, and acquired the VASI lights. He held glideslope for a while, then
drifted below. I instructed him to climb and reacquire proper position. I did not see any change so I
reminded him we needed to climb now and that there were trees below.
At this point I started feeling I needed to turn right, but it appeared we were aligned with the runway
centerline. I became unsure of our exact position; things became confused and I lost my ability to
determine exactly where we were relative to the runway. Suddenly I snapped out of this condition and
saw the runway ahead; it appeared we were level with its surface.
I intended to perform a wave off but we impacted the trees ahead. I believe we could have landed
straight ahead on the runway overrun were it not for a large tree among the smaller ones. It hit the left
wing and spun the aircraft to the left. We came to a stop in the grass short of the runway and exited the
plane after securing fuel and electrical power.
I did not know what happened to cause my performance to deteriorate like it did on final as I had never
experienced this condition before. On Tuesday 15 December I went to the Naval Air Station Medical
Clinic (Aviation Medicine) to seek advice. I met with Doctor Padgett who is a Navy Captain and Flight
Surgeon. After hearing my description of the event, The Doctor thought it was most likely Black Hole
Syndrome which caused a loss of spatial orientation.