Pilot Debrief

AIRBORNE WINDSPORTS PTY LTD EDGE XT 912 L near Sebring, FL — 2014-10-18

Final reportERA15CA020
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Date
2014-10-18
Location
Sebring, FL, USA
Airport
SEF
Aircraft
AIRBORNE WINDSPORTS PTY LTD EDGE XT 912 L
Registration
N29ME
Category
Trike
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot's inadvertent interference with the weight-shift capability of the airplane during the initial climb, resulting in a loss of airplane control and hard landing.

NTSB narrative

According to the instructor pilot, he was beginning a local, instructional flight with a student in his weight-shift-control airplane. During the initial climb, the weight-shift capability of the wing became inadvertently restricted by the student, who was seated in the front seat. Due to the tandem seating arrangement, the instructor was unable to get the student's attention to release control. The student was "younger and stronger" than the instructor. The airplane rolled and impacted hard on the grassy area adjacent to the runway. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that substantial damage resulted to the airframe's tubular structure and the wing. The instructor pilot reported that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane at the time of the accident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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