Ultralight aircraft accidents, experimental aircraft accidents, light sport aircraft accident reports 9

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Ultralight Aircraft Accident Data

Accident occurred AUG-10-95 at MADISONVILLE, KY
Aircraft: HUGHLETT CHALLENGER II, registration: N890JH
Injuries: 1 Fatal.

Witnesses reported that they heard intermittent engine sounds and observed the airplane descending towards the ground at a steep angle. Postaccident examination revealed that it had impacted with little forward movement. No evidence of preimpact airframe anomaly was found. The accident flight was the first flight after the student pilot/owner/builder converted the engine to a dual ignition/spark plug system. Examination of the ignition system revealed that the wires going to the magnetic pickups were pinched between the housing and the crankcase mounting surface, and the wire insulation was broken. An FAA Inspector stated that the owner/builder had not followed the manufacturer's recommendation to file a bevel into the edge of the housing during the ignition system conversion. FAA records indicated that the owner/builder had approximately 30 hours total flight time, and relatives reported that he had not flown the accident airplane for about two years.
Probable Cause
an intermittent short of the ignition system, due to improper maintenance/modification of the engine, which resulted in partial loss of engine power; and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the ground. A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot's lack of recent flight experience.

Accident occurred MAY-08-95 at CUMMING, GA
Aircraft: KOLB FIRESTAR II, registration: N47WH
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

THE PRIVATE PILOT OBSERVED UNUSUAL ENGINE VIBRATIONS AND NOISE, AND ELECTED TO PERFORM AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN AN OPEN FIELD. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE RIGHT, MAIN LANDING GEAR STRUCK A HOLE, AND THE GEAR COLLAPSED. AN EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT ONE OF THE SPARK PLUG LEADS WAS LOOSE. THE AIRCRAFT HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED WITHIN THE PREVIOUS 12 MONTHS, AND THE PILOT/OWNER DID NOT POSSESS A CURRENT BIENNIAL FLIGHT REVIEW OR FAA MEDICAL CERTIFICATE.
Probable Cause
THE PILOT/OWNER'S FAILURE TO INSPECT THE AIRCRAFT, WHICH RESULTED IN A LOOSE SPARK PLUG LEAD. A FACTOR WAS THE ROUGH TERRAIN CONDITIONS AT THE LANDING AREA.

Accident occurred APR-22-95 at ORLANDO, FL
Aircraft: FABRE SEARAY BOMBADIER, registration: N773G
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

THE PILOT WAS TAXIING AFTER LANDING AND NOTED AN ALLIGATOR TO HIS LEFT. HE STATED HE ABRUPTLY APPLIED AILERON FLIGHT CONTROL INPUT AND THE RIGHT WING COLLIDED WITH THE WATER, AND THE AIRPLANE SANK.
Probable Cause
THE ABRUPT USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS,BY THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND WHILE TAXIING ON WATER THAT RESULTED IN THE AIRPLANE CAPSIZING.

Accident occurred MAY-02-95 at BRIDGEPORT, MI
Aircraft: QUAD CITY CHALLENGER, registration: N100GB
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHILE MAKING A RIGHT CLIMBING TURN AFTER TAKEOFF, APPROXIMATELY 500 FEET AGL, THE AIRPLANE STARTED TO BANK TO THE LEFT. DESPITE HIS USE OF FULL RIGHT RUDDER, HE WAS UNABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, "THE PLANE KEPT TIGHTENING UP INTO A LEFT FLAT SPIRAL TO THE GROUND." THE AIRPLANE HAD LEXAN DOORS INSTALLED TO ENCLOSE THE COCKPIT/CABIN AREA. THE DOORS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE ORIGINAL DESIGN OF THIS KIT AIRPLANE, BUT WERE SUBSEQUENTLY MADE AVAILABLE AS A STANDARD OR OPTIONAL FEATURE, DEPENDING ON THE MODEL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT WHEN THE DOORS ARE INSTALLED, THE AIRPLANE BECOMES RUDDER DOMINANT AND SENSITIVE AND THAT PILOTS MUST NOT TAKE THEIR FEET OFF THE RUDDER PEDALS.
Probable Cause
INADEQUATE DIRECTIONAL STABILITY OF THE AIRCRAFT (DUE TO INSTALLATION OF LEXAN COCKPIT ENCLOSURE DOORS), WHICH PRECIPITATED A LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.

Accident occurred JUL-09-95 at SILVANA, WA
Aircraft: WHEELER KITFOX V, registration: N24KF
Injuries: 2 Fatal.

THE PILOT WAS TO PERFORM TWO LOW LEVEL FLY-BYS OVER THE RUNWAY TO DEMONSTRATE THE QUIETNESS OF THE ENGINE. AFTER THE AIRPLANE MADE THE SECOND PASS, IT UNEXPECTEDLY DEPARTED THE AREA. WITNESSES OBSERVED THE AIRPLANE FLYING AT A LOW LEVEL, WHEN THE NOSE OF THE AIRPLANE GRADUALLY LOWERED VERTICAL TO THE TERRAIN AND THE AIRPLANE BEGAN A SLOW SPIRAL. THE AIRPLANE CONTINUED IN THIS ATTITUDE UNTIL IMPACT. DURING THE POSTCRASH INSPECTION, NO EVIDENCE WAS FOUND TO INDICATE A MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION. THE AIRPLANE'S BALLISTIC RECOVERY SYSTEM HAD NOT BEEN DEPLOYED.
Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT CONTROL. THE EMERGENCY BALLISTIC PARACHUTE NOT BEING DEPLOYED WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT.

Accident occurred APR-07-95 at SUGARTOWN, LA
Aircraft: ROBINSON S-12 AIRAILE, registration: N53CR
Injuries: 1 Serious.

SHORTLY AFTER THE PILOT TOOK OFF FROM HIS PRIVATE AIRSTRIP, THE ENGINE LOST PARTIAL POWER. HE MADE A SUCCESSFUL FORCED LANDING ON A PRIVATE ROAD. AFTER CHECKING THE ENGINE AND MAKING A FULL POWER STATIC CHECK, THE PILOT TOOK OFF BUT THE ENGINE LOST PARTIAL POWER AGAIN. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO LAND AT HIS AIRSTRIP, BUT THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT ALTITUDE AND ENGINE POWER AVAILABLE. THE PILOT MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A FIELD AND DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER. THE CAUSE OF THE POWER LOSS WAS NOT DETERMINED.
Probable Cause
A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR REASONS UNDETERMINED. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN ON WHICH TO MAKE A FORCED LANDING.

Accident occurred JUN-19-95 at FREEPORT
Aircraft: WILLINGHAM, DAVE L. KOLB TWINSTAR, registration: N5759
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

On June 19, 1995, about 1830 EDT, a homebuilt Kolb Twinstar, N5759, registered to Charles T. O'Neill, crashed shortly after takeoff from the Freeport International Airport, Freeport, Bahamas, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and a VFR flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private-rated pilot and one passenger were not injured. The flight originated about 10 minutes earlier. Shortly after takeoff the pilot stated that the engine experienced a loss of power. The airplane collided with terrain about 5 nautical miles southeast of the departure airport. 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) 377-7117 This report is for information purposes only and contains only information released by the Bahamian Government.

Accident occurred MAY-03-95 at PHOENIX, AZ
Aircraft: GODKEY KITFOX IV, registration: N4357Q
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

THE AIRCRAFT WAS IN THE TAKEOFF INITIAL CLIMB WHEN THE PILOT DECLARED AN EMERGENCY. THE AIRCRAFT COMPLETED A TURN BACK TOWARD THE RUNWAY, LANDED SHORT OF THE AIRPORT BOUNDARY, AND STRUCK THE PERIMETER FENCE. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE HAD JUST TAKEN OFF WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS NOT DEVELOPING FULL POWER. JUST THEN, THE ENGINE QUIT. HE ATTEMPTED TO TURN BACK TOWARD THE RUNWAY BUT DID NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO REACH THE RUNWAY. A POSTACCIDENT INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE IGNITION SYSTEM WAS INOPERATIVE DUE TO A DEFECTIVE DIODE.
Probable Cause
the failure of the ignition system due to a defective diode.

Accident occurred SEP-08-95 at SCAPPOOSE, OR
Aircraft: GIFT CHALLENGER II, registration: N838TG
Injuries: 2 Fatal.

Witnesses observed the homebuilt aircraft depart from runway 15, and then they heard the pilot announce his intentions to return to land on runway 33 with no suggestion of any difficulty. The aircraft was observed to roll off from a turn into a spin and descend to the ground. An on-site examination revealed no evidence of flight control or powerplant malfunction. Investigation revealed the aircraft's weight equaled or exceeded its maximum gross takeoff weight limit. The aircraft was equipped with a recovery parachute system. The parachute system had been activated, but it had not fully deployed before ground impact.
Probable Cause
Failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering, which resulted in a stall/spin. Although the aircraft recovery parachute had been activated, there was not enough time (or altitude) for it to fully deploy.

Accident occurred JUL-08-95 at AUBURN, KS
Aircraft: AVID FLYER, registration: N8031M
Injuries: 1 Minor.

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE HAD FLOWN THE AIRCRAFT TWICE IN NOVEMBER 1994, AND THAT THE AILERONS HAD BEEN "SLUGGISH" AND "SPONGY." HE HAD NOT FLOWN AGAIN UNTIL THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT. HE DEPARTED HIS PRIVATE AIRSTRIP AND "WIGGLED" THE WINGS PASSING 50 FEET. HE FELT THE SAME SLUGGISHNESS THAT HE FELT THE PREVIOUS NOVEMBER. AT 200 FEET HE REDUCED POWER AND STARTED A 15 DEGREE ANGLE OF BANK TURN. HE TRIED LEVELING THE WINGS BUT THE AILERONS WERE UNRESPONSIVE AND THE AIRPLANE CONTINUED TO ROLL. AT 50 FEET HE APPLIED FULL POWER AND RIGHT RUDDER. THE AIRPLANE STRUCK THE GROUND WITH THE WINGS NEARLY LEVEL. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE MIGHT HAVE REDUCED TOO MUCH POWER AND GOT TOO SLOW, STALLING THE AIRPLANE. HE HAD NOT FLOWN RECENTLY. HE ALSO STATED THAT ANOTHER EXPERIENCED PILOT FAMILIAR WITH AN "AVID FLYER" SHOULD HAVE CHECKED THE FLIGHT CONTROLS BEFORE HE HAD FLOWN THE AIRPLANE AGAIN.
Probable Cause
the pilot operating the airplane with known deficiencies. Factors included lack of recent flight experience, inadequate maintenance, and low airspeed.

Accident occurred JUN-10-95 at KERRVILLE, TX
Aircraft: JOY GENESIS, registration: N8099K
Injuries: 2 Fatal.

A POTENTIAL BUYER AND 2 FRIENDS (RATED PILOTS) ARRIVED AT THE AIRPORT FOR A DEMONSTRATION FLIGHT BY THE AIRPLANE DISTRIBUTOR. THE DISTRIBUTOR WAS ALSO THE OWNER/BUILDER. THE WIND WAS REPORTED TO BE FROM THE EAST-SOUTHEAST AT 15 GUSTING 20 KNOTS. WHEN ASKED ABOUT HOW THE WINDS WOULD AFFECT THE AIRPLANE, THE DISTRIBUTOR STATED "...NO PROBLEMS." HE OFFERED TO TAKE ONE OF THE RATED PILOTS ON A FLIGHT. DURING FLIGHT, THE AIRPLANE WAS OBSERVED AT ABOUT TREE TOP HEIGHT, BELOW THE TOP OF HILLS, FLYING UP A VALLEY FROM THE EAST-SOUTHEAST. THE AIRPLANE WAS OBSERVED TO BANK AND ROLL LEFT WITH THE WINGS NEAR VERTICAL TO THE GROUND. WITNESSES HEARD ENGINE POWER AS THE AIRPLANE STARTED DOWN A HILL; HOWEVER, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TERRAIN AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL. NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION WAS REPORTED NOR FOUND WITH THE ENGINE OR AIRFRAME. THE AIRPLANE DISTRIBUTOR HELD AN FAA STUDENT PILOT CERTIFICATE. FAR'S REQUIRED AT LEAST A PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATE WITH 200 FLIGHT HOURS FOR A SALES DEMONSTRATION FLIGHT. THE DISTRIBUTOR HAD NOT REQUESTED THE REQUIRED AIRPLANE INSPECTION BY THE FAA, HAD NOT PAINTED THE REGISTRATION NUMBER ON THE AIRPLANE, AND HAD NOT BEEN ISSUED AN FAA AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE. BUILDER RECORDS FOR THE AIRPLANE WERE NOT LOCATED.
Probable Cause
FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHILE MANEUVERING AT LOW ALTITUDE, WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL AND COLLISION WITH THE TERRAIN. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE UNFAVORABLE WIND, THE PILOT'S OVERCONFIDENCE IN HIS ABILITY, AND HIS LACK OF CERTIFICATION/QUALIFICATION TO PERFORM PASSENGER/DEMONSTRATION FLIGHTS.

Accident occurred JUN-22-95 at LONGMONT, CO
Aircraft: ROCKY MOUNTAIN BUCCANEER 11 B2B, registration: N4093F
Injuries: 1 Fatal.

WITNESSES SAID THE ENGINE LOST POWER SHORTLY AFTER LIFTOFF AT 100 TO 200 FEET ALTITUDE AND THE PILOT BANKED RIGHT IN AN APPARENT ATTEMPT TO MAKE A FORCED LANDING IN A GRASSY FIELD. ONE WITNESS SAID THE AIRPLANE STALLED AND SPUN BEFORE COLLIDING WITH TERRAIN. ANOTHER WITNESS OBSERVED PREVIOUS FLIGHTS AND SAID THE ENGINE WOULD LOSE POWER AFTER TAKEOFF BUT THE PILOT WOULD LAND ON THE REMAINING RUNWAY. ENGINE EXAMINATION DISCLOSED TIGHT METAL TIES BINDING THE FUEL LINE AGAINST THE STRUCTURE. THE VACUUM-OPERATED FUEL PUMP WAS MOUNTED ON FLEXIBLE PLASTIC STRIPS, ALLOWING IT TO VIBRATE. PERSONNEL WHO EXAMINED THE WRECKAGE REPORTED THAT THIS COULD CAUSE THE PUMP TO CAVITATE. THE PILOT HAD LOGGED 1.6 HOURS IN THE AIRPLANE 10 MONTHS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT.
Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN FLYING SPEED, RESULTING IN AN INADVERTENT STALL WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A FORCED LANDING. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN AIRPLANE MAKE/MODEL, IMPROPER MAINTENANCE OF THE AIRPLANE, AND OPERATION OF THE AIRPLANE WITH UNIDENTIFIED DEFICIENCIES IN EQUIPMENT.

Accident occurred AUG-10-95 at CHINO, CA
Aircraft: AVID MARK IV, registration: N16CN
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

THE PILOT PERFORMED SOME WORK ON THE ENGINE AND THE PROPELLER AND ADDED 4 GALLONS OF AUTOMOBILE FUEL TO THE RIGHT TANK PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. AFTER TAKEOFF, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A ROUGH RUNNING ENGINE. HE ATTEMPTED A RETURN TO THE AIRPORT BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO LOSE POWER. DURING THE FORCED LANDING TO AN OPEN FIELD, THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH SOME TELEPHONE LINES AND CRASHED INVERTED. THE PILOT DID NOT STATE WHAT THE SPECIFIC PROBLEM FOR THE LOSS OF POWER WAS.
Probable Cause
a forced landing into unsuitable terrain due to an engine failure for undetermined reasons.

Accident occurred JUN-28-95 at BORGER, TX
Aircraft: QUICKSILVER MXLR II, registration: NONE
Injuries: 1 Serious.

THE PILOT LANDED AT THE LAKE MEREDITH NATIONAL RECREATION AREA LOCATED ALONG A RIVER. DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL FROM THE SOFT UNEVEN TERRAIN WITH TALL GRASS, THE AIRCRAFT WAS "UNABLE TO BECOME AIRBORNE." THE ONLY PASSENGER EXITED THE AIRCRAFT. DURING A SECOND ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A MOUND OF DIRT AND "BECAME AIRBORNE AND NOSED DOWN IMPACTING THE GROUND." THE AIRPLANE WAS OBSERVED "UP TO ABOUT 150 FEET, THEN THE PLANE TOOK A NOSE DIVE."
Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR LANDING AND TAKEOFF AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN FLYING SPEED. THE SOFT, UNEVEN TERRAIN AND TALL GRASS WERE FACTORS.

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