Pilot Debrief

QUICKSILVER GT400 near Hillsboro, KS — 2014-04-18

Final reportCEN14LA205
Sign in to save
Date
2014-04-18
Location
Hillsboro, KS, USA
Aircraft
QUICKSILVER GT400
Registration
UNREG
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the unregistered airplane in gusting wind conditions.

NTSB narrative

After completing the assembly of the unregistered airplane, the pilot made a high-speed taxi on the grass strip and the airplane veered off the runway. He taxied back to attempt a takeoff and, after takeoff, the airplane made a steep right. The airplane continued the flight, and the left wing collided with a tree. The pilot was ejected from the cockpit, and the airplane continued into a pond. The airplane did not contain a seatbelt. Continuity of the flight controls was confirmed, and no anomalies were noted with the engine or systems during postaccident examination. Weather in the area included a gusting wind up to 20 knots.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have trailered the airplane instead of attempting to fly it.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

Related mishaps