Pilot Debrief

Smyth Sidewinder TD near Wichita Falls, TX — 2022-08-20

Final reportWPR22FA311
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Date
2022-08-20
Location
Wichita Falls, TX, USA
Airport
F14
Aircraft
Smyth Sidewinder TD
Registration
N60JV
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s inexperience with the airplane and inadequate takeoff procedures, which led to exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall during takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot purchased the experimental, amateur-built airplane on the morning of the accident. He was planning to fly the airplane to his home airport in a different state. That morning, the previous owner and the pilot reviewed the maintenance logbooks, airplane characteristics, checklists, and examined the airframe and engine. After a thorough review, they started the engine and completed a run-up. The previous owner offered to stay in the airplane so the pilot could practice taking off and landing. The pilot declined and the previous owner exited the airplane. Witnesses observed the airplane align with the runway centerline and begin to accelerate. The pilot appeared to be making a 3-point takeoff with all the landing gear remaining on the runway surface. The airplane then became airborne at a slow speed and climbed to about 50-75 feet above ground level (agl). The airplane assumed a nose-high attitude and stalled as the left wing dropped down and collided with terrain adjacent to the runway; the airplane erupted into flames. The 87-year-old pilot had over 20,000 hours of total flight experience but had never flown the accident airplane.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have practiced takeoff with previous owner present.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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