Pilot Debrief

Airborne Edge near Dunn, NC — 2008-06-14

Final reportLAX08LA181
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Date
2008-06-14
Location
Dunn, NC, USA
Aircraft
Airborne Edge
Registration
N9393S
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around.

NTSB narrative

During the student pilot's first supervised solo flight in a weight-shift-control airplane, the pilot departed a private field and remained within the traffic pattern. Witnesses reported that the airplane appeared to be on a stable approach for landing. Just before touchdown, the pilot applied full throttle to initiate a go-around and the airplane immediately turned to the left. Subsequently, the left wing struck the ground and the airplane began to cartwheel. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies with the airframe or flight control system. The student pilot's instructor reported that the 2-cycle engine installed in the airplane produced left-hand torque with a subsequent tendency of the airplane to turn left. He added that the student pilot had been instructed on compensation techniques for the left torque and turning tendencies prior to his solo flight. Witnesses reported that the weather at the time of the accident was clear sky and calm wind.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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