Pilot Debrief

AIRBORNE WINDSPORTS PTY LTD EDGE XT-912-L near Red Bluff, CA — 2013-07-29

Final reportWPR13LA347
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Date
2013-07-29
Location
Red Bluff, CA, USA
Airport
KRBL
Aircraft
AIRBORNE WINDSPORTS PTY LTD EDGE XT-912-L
Registration
N123FJ
Category
Trike
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to properly secure himself in the cockpit with the seat belt, which resulted in his inability to control the airplane after takeoff.

NTSB narrative

A witness reported observing the weight-shift tricycle airplane take off, make a very steep climb, roll right, and then descend vertically to the ground. A postimpact fire ensued and destroyed the airplane. The witness also reported hearing full-power engine noise coming from the airplane throughout the climb and vertical descent. Another witness, who arrived on-scene immediately after the accident, stated that the pilot was immobile and about 6 ft away from the wreckage. An autopsy of the pilot did not reveal any injuries that are typically associated with seatbelt usage, and it is likely that he was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the accident. A flight instructor who instructs in weight-shift tricycle airplanes stated that, without the seatbelt fastened, moving the airplane's weight around would pull the pilot out of the seat.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after steep climb indication.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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