Millard, Ross - Non-inquest findings

AI-generated summary

Ross Millard, an experienced recreational pilot with 1687 hours experience, died when his Howard Hughes Lightwing GA-912 aircraft suffered partial engine power loss during takeoff and subsequently aerodynamically stalled. The aircraft climbed to approximately 100 feet when engine power reduced suddenly. Rather than immediately lowering the nose to achieve best glide speed (standard emergency procedure), Millard maintained level flight until the aircraft stalled and entered an uncontrolled descent. Multiple factors likely contributed: partial engine failure is more cognitively complex than complete failure; the GA-912 variant had different handling characteristics at stall compared to his own aircraft; attempting to troubleshoot the engine failure increased mental workload; and the instinctive desire to return to the runway influenced decision-making. The coroner found the aircraft was mechanically serviceable before flight, the cause of power loss could not be determined, and this was a survivable emergency had standard recovery procedures been followed.

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