Pilot Debrief

MAXAIR DRIFTER DRIFTER II near Lafayette, TN — 2013-09-01

Final reportERA13CA400
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Date
2013-09-01
Location
Lafayette, TN, USA
Airport
3M7
Aircraft
MAXAIR DRIFTER DRIFTER II
Registration
N42548
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the initial climb after takeoff in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in a hard off-airport landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the amateur-built, amphibious, light-sport airplane reported that the airplane accelerated and lifted off from the asphalt runway without incident; however, during the initial climb it encountered "severe turbulence." The pilot was not able to control the airplane and was attempting to return to the airport when it landed hard in a soy bean field, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation; nor did the pilot report any. The pilot reported that wind at the time of the accident was light and variable, with gusts up to 8 knots.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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