Pilot Debrief

QUAD CITY ULTRALIGHT CORP CHALLENGER II near Ransom Township, PA — 2011-08-17

Final reportERA11FA463
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Date
2011-08-17
Location
Ransom Township, PA, USA
Aircraft
QUAD CITY ULTRALIGHT CORP CHALLENGER II
Registration
N6613Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The non-certificated pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of overall flight experience and lack of experience in the same make and model as the accident airplane.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of overall flight experience and lack of experience in the same make and model as the accident airplane.

NTSB narrative

The non-certificated pilot/owner of the airplane was conducting his first flight in the airplane since he purchased it almost 2 years earlier. Witnesses observed the airplane flying erratically as it maneuvered around several fields that surrounded the accident site. They reported hearing varying sounds associated with low and high engine rpm. The airplane subsequently impacted in an area of 50- to 70-foot-tall trees located on a hill about 1 mile north-northeast of the pilot's residence. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any abnormalities that would have precluded normal operation. Five days before the accident, the pilot received 1 hour of dual flight instruction in a Cessna 172. The flight instructor reported that the pilot told him that he had not flown in over 20 years and wanted to “brush-up” on his flying skills. The instructor noted that the pilot flew poorly and, at the conclusion of the flight, specifically informed him that he was not ready to fly solo and that he should obtain additional training.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have obtained additional training before flying solo.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents15

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