Pilot Debrief

TRICK TRIKES STORM TROOPER near Covert, MI — 2013-08-16

Final reportCEN13LA493
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Date
2013-08-16
Location
Covert, MI, USA
Aircraft
TRICK TRIKES STORM TROOPER
Registration
N5157G
Category
Trike
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The student pilot’s loss of control while maneuvering at low altitude over a congested beach area. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s ostentatious display.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot made two low-altitude passes in a weight-shift airplane over a congested, coastline beach area. Following these two passes, the airplane entered into a steep, right bank turn at low altitude and impacted the beach. The final seconds of the flight were captured by witness video and photos, which indicated that the engine was operating normally and that the wing structure appeared normal. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
The pilot could have avoided low altitude passes over the beach area.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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