Ultralight aircraft accidents, experimental aircraft accidents, light sport aircraft accident reports 7

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Ultralight Aircraft Accident Data

Accident occurred APR-04-93 at WASCO, CA
Aircraft: ROY REY AVID FLYER, registration: N827H
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

THE EXPERIMENTAL AIRPLANE EXPERIENCED A POWER LOSS DURING CRUISE FLIGHT. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO EXECUTE A FORCED LANDING IN A FRESHLY PLOWED FIELD, BUT NOSED OVER IN THE SOFT SOIL. THE PILOT STATED THAT ALL HE COULD THINK OF IS CARB ICING. HE STATED THAT THE TEMPERATURE WAS DROPPING FAST, WITH AIR TEMPERATURE AT 66 DEGREES F (FAHRENHEIT), DEW POINT 38 DEGREES F. THE AIRCRAFT ENGINE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A CARBURETOR HEAT SYSTEM. ACCORDING TO THE ICING PROBABILITY CHARTS, THE FLIGHT CONDITIONS WERE SUCH THAT THE PROBABILITY FOR CARBURETOR ICING WAS HIGH DURING CRUISE AND GLIDING FLIGHT.
Probable Cause
CARBURETOR ICING. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE LACK OF A CARBURETOR HEAT CONTROL SYSTEM AND THE FRESHLY PLOWED FIELD.

Accident occurred JUN-12-93 at GRAYSLAKE, IL
Aircraft: CLAUDE E. MERRIN ZENAIR STOL CH-701, registration: N701CM
Injuries: 1 Serious.

JUST AFTER INITIAL TAKE-OFF, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED AN "UNCONTROLLABLE TURN TO THE LEFT." THE PILOT REPORTED THE TURN "BACAME STEEPER AND SOON WAS IN THE PROCESS OF PUTTING THE PLANE IN AN INVERTED POSITION." THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED THE GROUND, AND WAS DESTROYED BY AN ON-GROUND EXPLOSION AND FIRE. POSTACCIDENT EXAMINATION REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF PREIMPACT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION WITH AIRFRAME, ENGINE OR ACCESSORIES.
Probable Cause
THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT CONTROL. THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN AIRCRAFT TYPE WAS A FACTOR.

Accident occurred JUN-12-93 at WHITE PIGEON, MI
Aircraft: ROBERT L. KENNEDY AVID FLYER, registration: N138RK
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

FOLLOWING AN ENGINE FAILURE ON APPROACH TO HIS PRIVATE GRASS AIRSTRIP, THE PILOT TOUCHED DOWN 3/4 OF THE WAY DOWN THE RUNWAY, AND WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE AIRPLANE BEFORE OVERRUNNING THE AIRSTRIP, CROSSING A DIRT ROAD AND FINALLY COMING TO REST IN A SOYBEAN FIELD.
Probable Cause
THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S INABILITY TO ATTAIN PROPER TOUCH DOWN POINT. THE IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED IDLE SETTING WHICH RESULTED IN THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WAS ALSO A CAUSE.

Accident occurred JUL-18-93 at ALAMOGORDO, NM
Aircraft: ZBACNICK CHALLENGER II, registration: N851BZ
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

THE PROPELLER SEPARATED FROM THE HOMEBUILT AIRPLANE WHILE IN CRUISE FLIGHT DUE TO THE SEIZURE OF THE PROPELLER SHAFT BEARING. DURING THE SUBSEQUENT DOWNWIND FORCED LANDING TO AN OPEN FIELD THE PILOT OVERSHOT THE LANDING AREA AND THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED THE TOP OF A BERM AND BOUNCED. THE WINDS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WERE FROM THE WEST AT TEN KNOTS, GUSTING TO 17 KNOTS.
Probable Cause
THE SEIZURE OF THE PROPELLER SHAFT BEARING AND THE RESULTANT PROPELLER BLADE SEPARATION. FACTORS WERE THE UNFAVORABLE WINDS AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN AVAILABLE FOR THE FORCED LANDING.

Accident occurred JUL-27-93 at PICKETT, WI
Aircraft: MURPHY REBEL, registration: CFNVM
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

THE FLIGHT DEPARTED ALMA, MICHIGAN AT 1305 CENTRAL DAYLIGHT TIME WITH 30 GALLONS OF FUEL. AT 1645 THE AIRPLANE EXPERIENCED A TOTAL POWER LOSS AND A FORCED LANDING WAS PERFORMED IN ROUGH TERRAIN ONE MILE WEST OF PICKETT, WISCONSIN, APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES SHORT OF THE INTENDED DESTINATION. NO USABLE FUEL WAS REMAINING IN EITHER FUEL TANK.
Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION. THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT.

Accident occurred APR-04-94 at CLARKSBURG, WV
Aircraft: TALAGO THUNDERGULL JT2, registration: N73ST
Injuries: 1 Serious.

THE AIRPLANE HAD JUST TAKEN OFF AND WAS IN ITS INITIAL CLIMB WHEN CONTROL WAS LOST. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TERRAIN IN AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT. THE PILOT STATED, "AFTER A GOOD PRE-FLIGHT THE TOWER CLEARED ME TO DEPART...IMMEDIATELY ON LIFT OFF, THE AIRCRAFT JUMPED TO THE RIGHT. THERE WAS DEFINITELY A CONTROL PROBLEM BUT I HAVE NOT PINPOINTED WHERE." THE FAA INSPECTOR'S POST ACCIDENT EXAMINATION REVEALED THE BOLT CONNECTING THE TWO RODS IN THE AILERON PUSH/PULL ROD ASSEMBLY WAS MISSING. THE BOLT HOLES IN BOTH RODS SHOWED NO DEFORMATION. ADDITIONALLY, THIS BOLT WAS CONNECTED WITH THE JAM NUT FOUND LOOSE DURING THE CONFORMITY INSPECTION. THE AIRPLANE HAD A TOTAL OF 4 HOURS. A CONFORMITY INSPECTION WAS PERFORMED BY AN FAA DESIGNATED AIRWORTHINESS REPRESENTATIVE (DAR) ON NOVEMBER 29, 1993. THE DAR'S CONFORMITY INSPECTION REPORT STATED "JAM NUT LOOSE ON AILERON CONTROL IN OVERHEAD." THE REPORT REVEALED THAT THE CORRECTIVE ACTION TAKEN WAS THAT THE BOLT WAS "TIGHTENED." THE KIT MANUFACTURER SPECIFIES THE USE OF A SELF LOCKING NUT, HOWEVER, THE PILOT USED A JAM NUT.
Probable Cause
The builder's inadequate maintenance adjustment which resulted in the aileron control assembly becoming disconnected.

Accident occurred JAN-23-94 at STAFFORD, KS
Aircraft: PLUMMER SUPERCAT, registration: NONE
Injuries: 1 Serious.

THE PILOT WAS NOT QUALIFIED TO FLY THE AMATEUR BUILT AIRPLANE. HE WAS NOT CERTIFICATED AS REQUIRED BY THE FAA, AND NO RECORD OF FORMAL TRAINING WAS CLAIMED. THE PILOT STATED THAT WHILE CRUISING ABOUT 2000 FEET AGL, THE AIRPLANE LOST ALL ENGINE POWER. WHILE HE WAS TURNING TO CHANGE DIRECTION, THE AIRPLANE STALLED. THE PILOT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL AT APPROXIMATELY 100 TO 200 FEET AGL BEFORE IMPACTING THE GROUND. POSTACCIDENT EXAMINATION REVEALED NO FUEL IN THE FUEL TANK.
Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REFUEL THE AIRPLANE PRIOR TO FUEL EXHAUSTION, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED RESULTING IN AN AERODYNAMIC STALL. HIS INADEQUATE TRAINING WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT.

Accident occurred MAR-08-94 at VANCOUVER, WA
Aircraft: TUCKER KITFOX IV, registration: N1942J
Injuries: 1 Minor.

WHEN THE PILOT, WHO WAS ALSO THE MANUFACTURER, PUT THE SEAT IN THE "KIT-BUILT" AIRCRAFT, HE DID NOT ATTACH THE SEAT TO THE AIRFRAME AS RECOMMENDED BY THE KIT DESIGNER. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 28 HOURS OF TOTAL FLYING TIME, THE SEAT SLIPPED FROM ITS NORMAL POSITION IN THE AIRFRAME DURING A TOUCH-AND-GO LANDING, AND FELL UPON THE AILERON CONTROL ROD. THIS CAUSED THE AILERON CONTROL SYSTEM TO JAM, AND THE PILOT EXECUTED A GO-AROUND USING RUDDER AND ELEVATOR CONTROL INPUTS. DURING THE ENSUING FULL STOP LANDING, THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AS HE INITIATED THE LANDING FLARE.
Probable Cause
AILERON FLIGHT CONTROLS THAT WERE JAMMED BY THE PILOT'S SEAT SLIPPING FROM ITS MOUNT. FACTORS INCLUDE INADEQUATE SEAT INSTALLATION BY THE MANUFACTURER.

Accident occurred MAR-20-94 at OXFORD, IA
Aircraft: DEFELICI KITFOX III, registration: N596D
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

The certified flight instructor was attempting to land the airplane after the student pilot's first instructional flight. During the landing attempt a gust of wind raised the left wing. The flight instructor could not level the wings because the student had his leg against the control stick. The instructor landed in a soft field next to the runway, and the airplane nosed-over.
Probable Cause
the failure of the pilot-in-command (CFI) to maintain directional control. A factor related to the accident was the inadvertent interference with the flight controls by the student pilot.

Accident occurred APR-29-94 at MERRITT ISLAND, FL
Aircraft: KEUTHAN SABRE II / S2A, registration: N692KA
Injuries: 2 Minor.

THE PILOT AND PILOT-RATED PASSENGER DEPARTED ON A LOCAL FLIGHT WITH FULL FUEL. ON RETURN, THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED STRONGER THAN EXPECTED WINDS ALOFT, AND THE ENGINE FAILED DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION. THE PILOT EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING AND WHILE ROLLING TO A STOP, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A FENCE AND WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED.
Probable Cause
THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S INADEQUATE FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS AND INADEQUATE IN-FLIGHT PLANNING WHEN ENCOUNTERING A HEADWIND.

Accident occurred MAY-07-94 at MUNJACK CAY
Aircraft: BLACKMUN, LARRY KITFOX IV 1200, registration: N31PH
Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious.

On May 7, 1994, about 1430 eastern daylight time, a homebuilt float equipped Kitfox IV 1200, N31PH, registered to Larry Blackmun, experienced in flight loss of control and crashed about 100 yards offshore of Munjack Cay, near the Great Abaco Island, Bahamas, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airplane was destroyed and the airline transport-rated pilot was seriously injured. The passenger was fatally injured. The time of departure has not been determined. According to Bahamian Civil Aviation personnel, the pilot stated that while maneuvering at a low altitude, the airplane stalled, pitched nose down, and impacted the water. The pilot was airlifted to a hospital in Charleston, South Carolina. The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the government of the Bahamas. Any further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from: Director of Civil Aviation, Bahamas P.O. Box N-975 Nassau, N.P. Bahamas Phone: (809) 327-7117 This report is for information purposes only and contains only information released by the Bahamian Government.

Accident occurred MAY-21-94 at ISLAMORADA, FL
Aircraft: MID STATE ULTRA LIGHT CHALLENGER II, registration: NONE
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

THE PILOT STATED HE WAS AT 1,200 FEET AGL FLYING TOWARDS THE COASTLINE FROM THE EAST, AND HE ENCOUNTERED TURBULENT AIR CONDITIONS OVER THE EDGE OF THE LAND MASS. THE AIRPLANE ROLLED TO THE LEFT AND THE NOSE PITCHED DOWN. HE PUSHED THE CONTROL STICK FORWARD, AND APPLIED RIGHT AILERON AND RUDDER. HE REGAINED CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE AT ABOUT 600 FEET AND CIRCLED BACK FOR LANDING. WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH FOR LANDING AT ABOUT 75 TO 150 FEET AGL OVER THE SAME LAND MASS, THE AIRPLANE ROLLED TO THE LEFT AND THE NOSE PITCHED DOWN. HE ATTEMPTED THE SAME RECOVERY PROCEDURE AS BEFORE WITHOUT SUCCESS. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE WATER IN A NOSE-DOWN ATTITUDE. HE STATED HE COULD NOT REMEMBER WHAT HIS AIRSPEED WAS BEFORE THE AIRPLANE ROLLED TO THE LEFT, AND THAT HE HAD NOT DETERMINED THE NEW STALL SPEED FOR THE AIRPLANE AFTER THE INSTALLATION OF THE FLOAT KIT. HE FURTHER STATED THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF A PRECRASH MECHANICAL FAILURE OF THE AIRFRAME, FLIGHT CONTROLS, ENGINE ASSEMBLY OR ACCESSORIES.
Probable Cause
The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed (VS) while landing in turbulent air resulting in an in-flight loss of control (inadvertent stall), and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.

Accident occurred APR-16-94 at YELM, WA
Aircraft: NEWGARD KITFOX III, registration: N82QU
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PILOT MADE A FORCED LANDING TO AN OPEN FIELD, AND DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A FENCE. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT A FUEL LINE BECAME KINKED AND STARVED THE ENGINE OF FUEL.
Probable Cause
FUEL STARVATION DUE TO AN INADEQUATELY INSTALLED FUEL LINE.

Accident occurred JUL-01-94 at PALMAS DEL MAR, PR
Aircraft: FULLANA QUICKSILVER GT-500, registration: N4287L
Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Minor.

THE PILOT OF THE EXPERIMENTAL HOMEBUILT AIRPLANE WAS OBSERVED MANEUVERING ALONG THE SHORELINE AT ABOUT 20 FT ABOVE THE WATER. THE SURVIVING PASSENGER STATED THE PILOT WAS LOWERING THE FLAPS TO SLOW THE AIRPLANE TO POINT OUT AN APARTMENT. AS THE PILOT QUICKLY LOWERED THE FLAPS THE AIRPLANE PITCHED DOWN, HIT THE WATER, AND SANK.
Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S ABRUPT LOWERING OF THE FLAPS WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AT AN ALTITUDE INSUFFICIENT FOR RECOVERY, AND THE PILOT'S UNWARRANTED LOW FLYING.

Accident occurred MAY-01-94 at BUCKEYE, AZ
Aircraft: GRIFFIN TITAN TORNADO, registration: NONE
Injuries: 1 Fatal.

Witnesses stated that the student pilot, who had no confirmed flight experience, assembled the aircraft on the day of the accident at the airport from a kit of preassembled major components. The pilot told the witnesses that he was going to perform some taxi tests and proceeded to do several taxi runs along the runway. The aircraft was then observed to line up on the runway, add what was described as full power, then takeoff. The witnesses said the aircraft leveled off about 30 feet above the runway and flew down the complete length of the pavement. Past the departure end of the runway, the aircraft abruptly pitched nose down and impacted the ground about 1,000 feet from the runway end. An FAA inspector reported that control system continuity was established throughout the aircraft during his examination. The witnesses reported that the engine sounds were consistent and strong up to the point of ground impact. A review of FAA system records revealed no evidence of a registration or airworthiness certificate application by the pilot.
Probable Cause
the pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft. A factor in the accident was his complete lack of any flight experience or instruction.

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