Pilot Debrief

ULTRALIGHT AMERICA SPITFIRE II near Camarillo, CA — 2017-10-06

Final reportGAA18CA002
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Date
2017-10-06
Location
Camarillo, CA, USA
Airport
CMA
Aircraft
ULTRALIGHT AMERICA SPITFIRE II
Registration
N2918A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to track the runway centerline during an attempted go-around, which resulted in impact with a hangar.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during a familiarization flight, he took off and "noticed a strong left turning tendency." He added that he "kept the power at a higher, time restricted setting," which resulted in the coolant temperature rising above the 180°F maximum operating temperature. Although there were no indications of performance degradation, he "became concerned" that the airplane could lose engine power due to overheating and decided to make a precautionary landing. During the landing, the airplane bounced, and he decided to go around. Subsequently, the airplane struck a hangar roof about 75 ft left of the runway centerline and then came to rest on the opposite side of the hangar. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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