Pilot Debrief

Airborne Windsports Edge X near Ocala, FL — 2019-02-02

Final reportERA19LA094
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Date
2019-02-02
Location
Ocala, FL, USA
Airport
17FL
Aircraft
Airborne Windsports Edge X
Registration
N123NY
Category
Trike
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The noncertificated pilot's exceedance of the aircraft's critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

The noncertificated pilot, who had been receiving flight instruction from another noncertificated pilot, was performing his first solo flight in the weight-shift control experimental light-sport aircraft. After departure, the aircraft climbed to about 100 ft above ground level, veered side to side, dropped nose down, and impacted terrain. A witness to the accident flight stated the engine ran smoothly throughout the flight. Thus, it is likely that the aircraft exceeded its critical angle of attack during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low to recover. Toxicology testing found that diphenhydramine and topiramate, both of which are potentially impairing drugs, were present in the pilot's specimens at levels that were too low to be quantified; thus, it is unlikely that the pilot's use of these medications contributed to the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot should not have attempted first solo flight without proper certification.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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