SHELTON JOSEPH G S-7 near Buckeye, AZ — 2022-02-19

Probable cause

The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while on final approach to land which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped experimental airplane reported that, he mistook a parking lot for what he thought was an ultralight/light sport runway. While on final approach he observed power lines that obstructed the approach. He pulled up to avoid the power lines; however, he did not add engine power and the airplane stalled, landed hard and veered to the right where it struck a water drum and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Wrong surface or wrong airport · Approach

Evidence available

• Photos
• 3 docket documents

Docket documents3

• PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT, NTSB FORM 6120.1form
• PILOT INTERVIEW (FAA)interview
• PHOTOS (FAA)photos

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