Pilot Debrief

SEYMOUR SKYRANGER near Perris, CA — 2012-09-13

Final reportWPR12LA417
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Date
2012-09-13
Location
Perris, CA, USA
Airport
L65
Aircraft
SEYMOUR SKYRANGER
Registration
N936LS
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A loss of aircraft control during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

During cruise flight in the experimental amateur-built airplane, the pilot heard a "bang" sound, and the airplane immediately began to descend and roll to the left. He applied opposing aileron and right rudder control inputs and was able to regain partial control; however, as the descent progressed, the airplane's turn rate began to increase. The airplane struck the ground in a left-wing-low attitude, sustaining substantial damage. Examination of the airframe did not reveal any failures or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Although postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed two separated cables (a wing brace and an elevator trim tab cable), physical evidence indicated that the cable separations most likely occurred during the accident sequence. Additionally, if the elevator trim tab cable had separated in flight, the movement of the trim tab to the up position likely would not have resulted in the flight control difficulties experienced by the pilot. Thus, it was not possible to determine why the airplane departed controlled flight and why the pilot was unable to regain control.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have activated the ballistic recovery parachute earlier.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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