Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Des Moines, Iowa
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:
Location: Pisgah, Iowa
Accident Number: CEN20CA244
Date & Time: June 23, 2020, 14:19 Local
Registration: N7764W
Aircraft: COYOTE S-6ES
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Aerodynamic stall/spin
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
Analysis
The uncertificated pilot reported he had been studying an on-line course with the intent of pursuing a sport pilot certificate in the future. He purchased the airplane about a month prior to the accident, and the accident flight was his first flight in the airplane. He stated he was aware of a cross wind coming from his right at his airstrip, and the ground dropping away into the adjacent bean field at the end. He planned to get airborne and then as the ground dropped away into the field, he would turn right into the wind and climb. He said that the airplane climbed faster than anticipated, and the wind turned the airplane toward the left. He stated that he did not remember much after that, other than some of the postcrash events in the field. The pilot stated he had seen a video the accident, and it appeared the left wing stalled, and the airplane spun into the field. The airplane sustained substantial damage that included damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot stated there was no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal airplane operation.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The uncertificated pilot's failure to attain/maintain a proper angle-of-attack during an initial climb that resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain.
Findings
Aircraft Angle of attack - Capability exceeded
Personnel issues Qualification/certification - Pilot
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Factual Information
History of Flight
Initial climb Aerodynamic stall/spin (Defining event)
Uncontrolled descent Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Pilot Information
Certificate: None
Age: 45, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: None
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: COYOTE
Registration: N7764W
Model/Series: S-6ES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1996
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental (Special)
Serial Number: 1095888ES
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: May 9, 2020 Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines:
Airframe Total Time: 430.5 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer:
ELT:
Engine Model/Series:
Registered Owner:
Rated Power:
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time:
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Visibility
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting:
Temperature/Dew Point:
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Pisgah, IA (None)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Pisgah, IA (None)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:
Type of Airspace: Class G
Airport Information
Airport: PVT None
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 1060 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Vegetation
Runway Used:
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 41.83139,-95.925552(est)
Now, folks, we've seen it all: an unlicensed pilot who learned how to fly online crashed his airplane on the VERY. FIRST. FLIGHT.
ReplyDeleteI'd say that's a testament to the system working. You're not supposed to be able to fly an airplane without the proper training. Sadly this guy's judgment was the only thing worse than his flying skills.