Pilot Debrief

FPNA LLC A-22 VALOR near Wurtsboro, NY — 2013-07-30

Final reportERA13LA346
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Date
2013-07-30
Location
Wurtsboro, NY, USA
Aircraft
FPNA LLC A-22 VALOR
Registration
N912FP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to comply with the manufacturer’s limitations and guidance regarding flaperons usage at low altitude and in adverse wind conditions, which resulted in an in-flight loss of airplane control.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he took off from the surface of the lake in the light-sport floatplane into a 9-knot wind. Once the airplane climbed above the treetops, the pilot initiated a left turn and retracted the flaperons "simultaneously." At that time, the control wheel rotated left, and the pilot was unable to return the wheel to the "neutral" position. The airplane continued in a descending left turn and collided with trees and terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and the tail section. Examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The Pilot Operating Handbook states that flaperons extension are not recommended in a crosswind of 9 or more knots and that the airplane should be at an altitude of 500 feet after takeoff before flaperon retraction.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have avoided using flaperons in the presence of wind conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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