Pilot Debrief

North Wing Scout X-C near Amherst, VA — 2010-08-21

Final reportERA10FA435
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Date
2010-08-21
Location
Amherst, VA, USA
Aircraft
North Wing Scout X-C
Registration
N417JN
Category
Trike
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of aircraft control for an undetermined reason.

NTSB narrative

A witness observed the weight-shift aircraft approach her location and descend toward a nearby pasture. Shortly thereafter, the engine "revved up" and the aircraft pitched up at a steep angle. The aircraft began to make a tight spiral turn and continued until the nose pitched down, consistent with entering a stall/spin, before impacting the ground and erupting into flames. A postaccident examination of the wreckage did not reveal any mechanical anomalies with the airframe or engine. The aircraft was equipped with dual flight controls, and a throttle control was located on the foot rest for the aft passenger. The pilot was seated in the front seat and the passenger was seated in the aft seat. The passenger had access to the throttle control located near his foot rest, in addition to the flight controls, and it is possible he manipulated the throttle inadvertently although the investigation was unable to definitively determine if this occurred.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the landing when engine noise changed.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents19

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