Pilot Debrief

Hilderson Oswald Aventura HP near Weirwood, VA — 2008-10-31

Final reportERA09CA046
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Date
2008-10-31
Location
Weirwood, VA, USA
Airport
9VG
Aircraft
Hilderson Oswald Aventura HP
Registration
N1932H
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane following an in-flight encounter with turbulence during approach, which led to a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, and subsequent forced landing into trees.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot the weather was clear with winds from the southwest at 5 to 10 knots. He stated that after refueling, he departed for a second flight and after 20 minutes, he prepared to land. On an extended downwind leg, at 1,100 feet above ground level (AGL) and about to turn base leg, he encountered some turbulence. He increased power and got out of it, only to enter turbulence again. The airplane went into a dive and went inverted, cutting the fuel flow off to the engine. He was able to regain control and fly the airplane. However, without engine power he was gliding toward the woods. The airplane was too close to the trees, and the pilot's only option was to reduce airspeed to near stalling and mush down on the treetops. The airplane descendedinto the trees with the left wingtip on the ground and the nose 6 feet off the ground. The reported wind, at an airport about 12 miles northwest of the accident site, about the time of the accident, was from 250 degrees at 9 knots.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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