Pilot Debrief

PYKA INC PELICAN near Winters, CA — 2022-05-14

Final reportWPR22LA183
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Date
2022-05-14
Location
Winters, CA, USA
Aircraft
PYKA INC PELICAN
Registration
N605PK
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

Delamination of the uncrewed aircraft systems’ right wing skin surfaces from the wing spar that resulted in a spin and impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The operator of the uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) reported that, during a demonstration flight at a company event, the UAS made a left turn and the right wing skin, along with the flaps and ailerons, separated from the UAS. He further reported that, after separating the wing skins opened and floated behind the UAS as it rolled right, spun, and impacted terrain. Substantial damage was identified to the entire UAS, to include the fuselage, both wings, and empennage Postaccident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the right-wing skin had delaminated/separated from the wing spar consistent with a failed bond between the wing skin and wing spar.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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