Pilot Debrief

AIRBORNE WINDSPORTS PTY LTD XT-912 near Winter Haven, FL — 2012-10-14

Final reportERA13LA020
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Date
2012-10-14
Location
Winter Haven, FL, USA
Airport
GIF
Aircraft
AIRBORNE WINDSPORTS PTY LTD XT-912
Registration
N811RW
Category
Trike
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff in crosswind conditions, which resulted in collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

A witness reported observing the experimental ultralight aircraft conducting touch-and-go landings before the accident. He recalled that it seemed "a bit windy" for an ultralight to be operating. He estimated that the wind was between 10 and 15 knots, but he could not judge the wind gusts. Immediately after takeoff for the accident flight, the aircraft made a hard right bank, with a bank angle of between about 60 and 90 degrees, about 100 feet above the ground. The witness reported that the aircraft's motor sounded as if it was at full power and not malfunctioning. The aircraft impacted the ground about 100 to 150 yards from where witnesses were standing. According to the Pilot's Operating Handbook, the maximum crosswind component for the airplane was 12 knots. Airport weather information indicated the wind was 080 degrees at 12 knots about 20 minutes before the accident. It is likely that the aircraft encountered crosswind conditions and that the pilot then failed to maintain aircraft control.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff due to excessive wind conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 13 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents13

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