Pilot Debrief

CHALLENGER II near Emporia, KS — 2013-08-28

Final reportCEN13LA514
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Date
2013-08-28
Location
Emporia, KS, USA
Aircraft
CHALLENGER II
Registration
UNREG
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The right wing’s folding up in flight for reasons that could not be determined because an examination did not reveal any abnormalities with the airframe that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was ferrying the experimental, amateur-built airplane back to his home airport. As he approached an en route airport, part of the right wing folded up, and the airplane spiraled down. The airplane impacted trees and came to rest near a creek. The airplane did not have an airworthiness certificate or registration number. Examination of the wreckage revealed no preexisting damage that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot did not have any of the airplane's previous records; the reason for the right wing folding could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have conducted a thorough preflight inspection of the aircraft.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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