Pilot Debrief

AVEKO SRO VL-3 LSA near Boyd, TX — 2010-05-30

Final reportCEN10FA277
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Date
2010-05-30
Location
Boyd, TX, USA
Aircraft
AVEKO SRO VL-3 LSA
Registration
N801GB
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

***This report was modified on November 15, 2012. Please see the docket for this accident to view the original report with revisions shown.*** The pilots’ failure to avoid and recover from the prohibited maneuver of aerodynamic spin during a training flight, for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the severity of the accident was the failure of the ballistic parachute rocket as a result of the manufacturer’s use of an inadequate thread sealant glue on the end caps of the rocket. Contributing to the severity of the occupants’ injuries was the separation of their shoulder belt attachment brackets at impact.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the severity of the accident was the failure of the ballistic parachute rocket as a result of the manufacturer’s use of an inadequate thread sealant glue on the end caps of the rocket. Contributing to the severity of the occupants’ injuries was the separation of their shoulder belt attachment brackets at impact.

NTSB narrative

***This report was modified on November 15, 2012. Please see the docket for this accident to view the original report with revisions shown.*** The flight instructor and student pilot departed on an instructional flight in preparation for the student’s check ride for a pilot certificate. A witness reported seeing the airplane “low and slow” and said that the engine was “sputtering.” He added that the airplane then entered a “flat spin” before disappearing into trees. The airplane wreckage was located in a stand of trees surrounded by rolling fields. Fuel was present on site. The airplane was equipped with a ballistic parachute, and the parachute’s activation handle was pulled from its stowed position, consistent with an attempted activation by the pilot; however, it had not deployed. Examination revealed that the rocket motor that should have deployed the parachute housing failed because the manufacturer used an inadequate thread sealant glue, which dried up and became inelastic when installed on an airplane and exposed to normal operating conditions (including vibration). The end cap of the rocket would unscrew. As a result, the accident airplane’s parachute did not deploy. Corrective measures were developed and issued as a result of this accident. Examination also showed that, although both occupants’ lap belts remained attached to the airframe their shoulder straps had separated at the adhesive joint where the shoulder strap attachment bracket fastened to the turtle deck. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The engine was started and was run on both the left and right ignition systems.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Avoiding aerobatic maneuvers in prohibited flight conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 16 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents16

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