Pilot Debrief

J&J ULTRALIGHTS SEAWING near Golden, MO — 2021-12-30

Final reportCEN22LA087
Sign in to save
Date
2021-12-30
Location
Golden, MO, USA
Aircraft
J&J ULTRALIGHTS SEAWING
Registration
N285SW
Category
Trike
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control while aggressively maneuvering at low altitude.

NTSB narrative

The noncertificated pilot departed on his first flight in his recently purchased weight-shift control (WSC) aircraft. After takeoff, the pilot made a steep left bank turn that included a rapid climb and descent. The pilot leveled the aircraft and made a second steep bank turn with a rapid climb, then the aircraft entered a dive and impacted a house. The wings, empennage, and fuselage sustained substantial damage. A postaccident examination revealed no evidence of any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot completed two flights in a different WSC aircraft about 6 months before the accident. According to the previous owner, the accident aircraft stalled more abruptly than other WSC aircraft and a substantial amount of altitude was required to recover from a stall. Although toxicology testing indicated the pilot used cannabis at some point before the accident flight, the detected blood levels could not be used to infer the level of impairment. Based on the circumstances of the accident, the effect of cannabis usage was determined not to be a likely factor in the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot's decision to fly the unfamiliar aircraft without adequate experience.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 7 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents7

Related mishaps