Zenair STOL CH 701, N511QC: Accident occurred February 27, 2015 in Marion, Turner County, South Dakota

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

http://registry.faa.gov/N511QC

Location: Marion, SD
Accident Number: CEN15CA160
Date & Time: 02/27/2015, 1430 CST
Registration: N511QC
Aircraft: ZENITH ACFT CO STOL CH 701
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Ferry

Analysis

The pilot was relocating his airplane to a private airstrip. On arriving at the airstrip, the pilot did two takeoffs and landings without incident. During the takeoff and climb for a third approach and landing, the pilot experienced and uncontrolled roll to the left. The pilot put in right aileron but the input did not seem to have any effect on the roll. The roll turned the airplane toward a power line located east of the runway. The pilot could not recall if he applied engine power or tried to climb to keep the airplane from contacting the power line. The airplane struck the power line and subsequently impacted the ground seriously injuring the pilot and resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing. The airplane was equipped with flaperons. The pilot said he was not using flaps, and that the airplane's thick wing reduced the effect of power during the descent. The pilot reported having one hour total time in the accident airplane make and model.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot failed to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering to land resulting in contact with a power line and the ground. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane.

Findings

Aircraft
Lateral/bank control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Incorrect action performance - Pilot (Cause)
Total experience w/ equipment - Pilot (Factor)

Environmental issues
Wire - Contributed to outcome
Factual Information

History of Flight

Approach
Loss of control in flight (Defining event)
Attempted remediation/recovery

Approach-VFR go-around
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
  
Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 70
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/05/2013
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 05/09/2014
Flight Time:  1620 hours (Total, all aircraft), 1 hours (Total, this make and model), 1568 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 15 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
  
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: ZENITH ACFT CO
Registration: N511QC
Model/Series: STOL CH 701
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2014
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 7-8815
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  Conditional
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 25 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: 912ULS
Registered Owner: Pilot
Rated Power: 100 hp
Operator: Pilot
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: FSD, 1430 ft msl
Observation Time: 1456 CST
Distance from Accident Site: 22 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 77°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: -11°C / -18°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots, 220°
Visibility (RVR): 
Altimeter Setting: 30.45 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV): 
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Bridgewater, SD
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Marion, SD (PVT)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1330 CST
Type of Airspace: 

Airport Information

Airport: Dykstra Grass Strip (PVT)
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 1500 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 18
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:  2200 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Straight-in

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude:  43.484444, -97.241667 (est)