Pilot Debrief

Aerotrike Naked Cobra near Virgin, UT — 2009-10-17

Final reportWPR10LA021
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Date
2009-10-17
Location
Virgin, UT, USA
Airport
PVT
Aircraft
Aerotrike Naked Cobra
Registration
N10LK
Category
Trike
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A loss of engine power during cruise flight for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot reported that the engine lost power during cruise flight. He subsequently force-landed the weight-shift-control experimental airplane in wooded terrain, where it sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wing spar. The pilot subsequently disassembled the airplane and removed the wreckage from the accident site. Despite multiple requests, the pilot did not provide any written statement regarding the accident and did not make the airplane available for examination.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen a different altitude or route to avoid engine failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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