Saturday, March 30, 2019

Loss of Control in Flight: Quicksilver MXL II, N126AS, accident occurred April 21, 2018 in Marietta, Greenville County, South Carolina

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; West Columbia, South Carolina

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/N126AS


Location: Marietta, SC
Accident Number: GAA18CA411
Date & Time: 04/21/2018, 1400 EDT
Registration: N126AS
Aircraft: Eipper QUICKSILVER
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under:  Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis 

The pilot reported that, during a pleasure flight, he decided to land on a relative's asphalt driveway. He added that, during the landing, a wind gust "caught a wing," and the airplane was forced onto the driveway. Subsequently, the airplane impacted a fence during the landing roll.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the rudder, and the fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

An automated weather observation system located about 13 nautical miles southeast from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 130° at 7 knots. The pilot landed the airplane uphill to the north.

The pilot reported that the wind at the accident site was light and variable. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a loss of directional control.

Findings

Aircraft
Landing flare - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Fence/fence post - Contributed to outcome

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Loss of control on ground
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information


Certificate: Private; Sport Pilot
Age: 62, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Lap Only
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Sport Pilot Unknown
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No 
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 08/03/2016
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 1500 hours (Total, all aircraft), 1000 hours (Total, this make and model), 1500 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Eipper
Registration: N126AS
Model/Series: QUICKSILVER MXLII
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1994
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 861AMS
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/04/2017, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 720 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:  980 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: 503
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 50 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KGMU, 1048 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 13 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1753 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 138°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 130°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.36 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C / 0°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Marietta, SC
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Marietta, SC
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1350 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude:  35.023611, -82.542778 (est)

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