Investigation Summary
The incident began shortly before 16:51 local time when the student pilot's flight instructor left him alone to perform a preflight inspection. Instead of waiting, the student started the engine and taxied to Runway 35R, taking off at 16:51 without ATC clearance or radio communication. The aircraft proceeded toward MacDill Air Force Base, where it flew at low altitude over the control tower, parked aircraft, and hangars. During this sequence, the Cessna passed within 75 to 100 feet of two parked KC-135 tanker aircraft that were loaded with fuel. A U.S. Coast Guard H-60 helicopter intercepted the Cessna and attempted to signal the pilot to land using hand gestures. The helicopter crew reported that the pilot gestured back to them, but they could not determine the kind or meaning of the gestures. The pilot did not comply with the signals, instead maintaining a steady course toward downtown Tampa. The aircraft impacted the Bank of America building at the 28th-floor level at 17:03. Post-accident examination of the airframe and Lycoming IO-360-L28 engine revealed no mechanical deficiencies. A two-page suicide note found on the pilot's person detailed his motives, citing a desire to retaliate for U.S. foreign policy and praising Osama bin Laden.
Final Conclusions
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined the probable cause to be the pilot's unauthorized use of an aircraft for the purpose of committing suicide. Toxicology tests were negative for alcohol and drugs. The investigation concluded that the event was an 'abuse of trust' by a student pilot rather than a failure of airport security systems, as the pilot was authorized to be on the ramp and at the aircraft for his scheduled lesson.
Photographic Evidence (1)
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Crew Experience
Student Pilot
15-year-old male student pilot.
Systems & Failure Modes
Lycoming IO-360-L28 Engine
The aircraft's 160-horsepower reciprocating engine was examined and found to have no pre-impact deficiencies; propeller damage indicated it was producing power at the time of impact.
ATC Communications
The pilot never established contact with the tower or used the transponder, leading controllers to use emergency frequency 121.5 in unsuccessful attempts to reach him.
Interesting Facts
- 01The pilot was a 15-year-old student with approximately 19.3 hours of total flight time, all of which was dual instructional flight time.
- 02The pilot's flight training began on May 17, 1998, though the majority of his training occurred starting in February 2001.
- 03A two-page suicide note was found on the pilot's person expressing support for Al Qaeda.
- 04The aircraft impacted the building between the 28th and 29th floors; no fire or ground injuries occurred.
- 05The NTSB ruled out mechanical failure after inspecting the wreckage and engine.
- 06The pilot's mother later filed a lawsuit against the makers of Accutane, alleging the medication caused suicidal side effects, but later dropped the suit.
Safety Actions & Advisories
FAA Security Notice
On January 6, 2002, the FAA released a security notice regarding the protection of aircraft and new regulations for underage flight students.
Flight School Security Proposals
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and other organizations proposed increased security measures for flight schools to prevent unauthorized access to aircraft.
Known Controversies & Unanswered Questions
Accutane Side Effects Allegations
Reference ↗The pilot's mother filed a $70 million lawsuit against Roche Laboratories, claiming the acne medication Accutane caused depression and suicidal behavior in her son. The suit was dropped in 2007 due to the mother's inability to continue the legal action.