Pilot Debrief

NORTHWING APACHE SPORT near Brigham City, UT — 2014-04-08

Final reportWPR14LA161
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Date
2014-04-08
Location
Brigham City, UT, USA
Aircraft
NORTHWING APACHE SPORT
Registration
N58AS
Category
Trike
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering near power lines.

NTSB narrative

A witness located near the accident site reported observing the weight-shift-control trike flying around the area at a low altitude before hearing the engine power increase and seeing the trike ascend to avoid striking trees. The witness observed the trike continue to maneuver around the area and conduct a series of turns before he lost sight of the trike. Another witness reported seeing the trike approach two sets of power lines and then suddenly bank sharply left and descend into the ground. Postaccident examination of the recovered trike revealed no evidence of any preexisting mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen a safer landing area before losing control.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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