KWECH GLASAIR RG SUPER 11S near Lake Elmo, MN — 2010-09-03

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff with gusty wind conditions, which resulted in a collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was departing in his experimental amateur-built airplane on a personal cross country flight. Witnesses in the area of the accident reported they observed the low-flying yellow airplane climb over a tree line, pass over the roadway they were on, encounter wind, and then bank. The airplane subsequently descended during the turn and impacted terrain in a field about 1/2 mile north of the departure runway, where it sustained substantial damage to its fuselage. The recorded wind was 19 knots gusting to 28 knots. The pilot sustained serious injuries and indicated that he did not recall anything regarding the accident flight. A postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airframe or engine.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Loss of control

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have aborted the takeoff due to wind conditions.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control in flight · Takeoff
• Loss of Control on Takeoff/Initial Climb

Evidence available

• Photos
• 5 docket documents

Docket documents5

• Other Pertinent Forms and Reports - Excerpts from the pilot's logbookform
• Other Pertinent Forms and Reports - List supplied by the pilot's father of flights the pilot performedform
• Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Formsform
• Witness Interview Excerpts from the Washington County Sheriff Accident Reportinterview
• Photosphotos

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