Monday, June 16, 2014

Bailey-Moyes Dragonfly A, N286A, Shore Aviation: Accident occurred June 16, 2014 at Accomack County Airport (KMFV), Melfa, Virginia

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms 

Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Shore Aviation: http://registry.faa.gov/N286A

NTSB Identification: ERA14LA302
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Monday, June 16, 2014 in Melfa, VA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 01/12/2015
Aircraft: BAILEY ROBERT MOYES DRAGONFLY, registration: N286A
Injuries: 1 Minor, 1 Uninjured.

NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The pilot reported that he initiated the takeoff and that, as soon as the airplane lifted off, it banked sharply left and then impacted the edge of the runway in a “slightly nose-down, left banking attitude.” Opposite flight control inputs had no effect. Wind conditions were variable at less than 4 knots. Examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. An attachment tube for the right aileron was found broken, and an examination of the tube revealed evidence of overstress, likely as a result of the crash. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that the passenger did not have hearing protection with her, so the pilot initiated the takeoff with about 2/3 of power applied. 

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot’s failure to maintain roll control during the initial takeoff and his decision to take off with only partial power applied.




On June 16, 2014, about 0900 eastern daylight time, a Bailey Moyes Dragonfly, N286A, collided with terrain after a loss of aircraft control during takeoff at Melfa, Virginia (MFV). The commercial pilot was not injured, and one passenger sustained minor injuries. The experimental, amateur-built airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. Day, visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local, personal flight, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported the following. He was preparing to depart with a passenger to observe upper air conditions prior to commencing glider operations. After performing engine checks, he initiated the takeoff roll on runway 3. As soon as the airplane lifted off, it banked sharply to the left and impacted the edge of the runway "slightly nose-down, left banking attitude." Opposite flight control inputs had no effect. He reported that wind conditions were variable at less than 4 knots. 

An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. He confirmed structural damage to the right wing and fuselage. There were scrapes on the surfaces of the left wing. An attachment tube for the right aileron was broken, and the inspector retained the section that did not remain attached to the aileron. The inspector reported that the passenger did not have hearing protection with her, so the pilot initiated the takeoff with about 2/3 of full power applied. 

Both broken aileron tube sections were subsequently examined by the NTSB investigator-in-charge. The fracture surfaces showed no evidence of corrosion or fatigue. The tube was bent at the location of the fracture with signatures of overstress. The fracture surface was clean with 45-degree shear lips present.

The pilot later submitted the required NTSB Form 6120.1, Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, and reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure associated with the accident.

NTSB Identification: ERA14LA302
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Monday, June 16, 2014 in Melfa, VA
Aircraft: BAILEY ROBERT MOYES DRAGONFLY, registration: N286A
Injuries: 1 Minor,1 Uninjured.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

On June 16, 2014, about 1030 eastern daylight time, a Bailey Moyes Dragonfly, N286A, collided with terrain after a momentary loss of roll control during takeoff at Melfa, Virginia (MFV). The commercial pilot was not injured, and one passenger sustained minor injuries. The experimental, light sport airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. Day, visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local, personal flight, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

Reportedly, a loss of aileron control occurred shortly after takeoff, while at slow speed and low altitude. The right wing struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage. The tubular frame comprising the cockpit and passenger seating areas also received structural damage.

An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. He confirmed structural damage to the right wing and fuselage. An attachment bracket for the right aileron was broken, and the inspector retained the section that did not remain attached to the aileron. The broken aileron parts will be submitted to the NTSB for subsequent examination.

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There were no reported injuries following a rough aircraft landing at Accomack County Airport at about 10:30 a.m. Monday.

“A gust of wind grabbed the wing, and she just rolled off to the side,” said William McCarter, pilot and owner of Virginia Hang Gliding and the damaged plane. The company is based in at the airport.

The small yellow and white aircraft is used to tow hang gliders up several thousand feet, but there was no glider in tow because McCarter was conducting a routine test flight when the incident occurred.

One female passenger was on board, but McCarter said neither he nor the passenger was injured. Melfa EMS and Virginia State Police responded to the scene.

“They checked her (for injuries), just to be sure,” McCarter said.

Three individuals held up the plane’s damaged wing as is was towed on a trailer behind a pickup back to the corner of the airport occupied by Virginia Hang Gliding.

Dario Lewis of Pittsburgh drove up from Virginia Beach, Virginia, arriving shortly after the crash. Lewis had booked a hang gliding session at 10 a.m. to celebrate his June 20 birthday, but was running late, and arrived about 10:45 a.m.

“It could have been me,” he said, relieved, but disappointed his birthday flight wasn’t going to happen.

McCarter said he expects to be back in business within a couple of days.

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