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Casualties unknown

Experimental Amateur-Built Airplane Impacts Hangar During Takeoff (N2011G)

Eustis, FL, US

On November 13, 2004, a Joseph R. Sirgo AQUILLA (registration N2011G) was involved in an aviation accident near Eustis, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The passenger's control interference, which resulted in a loss of control, and the airplane impacting a hangar during takeoff/initial climb. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An experimental amateur-built airplane struck a hangar during takeoff after the friend at the controls panicked and pulled the control bar, causing a veer that the pilot could not correct.

Accident

An experimental amateur-built airplane impacted a hangar during the takeoff or initial climb phase. The aircraft was being operated by a pilot who had allowed a friend to control the airplane. No further details about the aircraft's registration or location were provided in the official source.

Pilot's Account

According to the pilot, while his friend was controlling the airplane, the friend appeared to panic. He then pulled the control bar to his chest. This caused the airplane to veer to the right. The pilot attempted to regain control but was unsuccessful. The pilot also stated that there were no known anomalies or malfunctions with the aircraft or any of its systems prior to the accident. The pilot's statement constitutes the sole account of the incident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Nov 2004 Joseph R. Sirgo AQUILLA accident near Eustis, FL?

An experimental amateur-built airplane struck a hangar during takeoff after the friend at the controls panicked and pulled the control bar, causing a veer that the pilot could not correct.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Nov 2004 involved a Joseph R. Sirgo AQUILLA, registration N2011G, at Eustis, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The passenger's control interference, which resulted in a loss of control, and the airplane impacting a hangar during takeoff/initial climb.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20041203X01915. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.