30 Aug 2008: Quicksilver MXL II

30 Aug 2008: Quicksilver MXL II — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Barceloneta, PR, United States

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during an aborted landing. Contributing to the accident were the high winds.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

While landing on an unapproved grass strip, the student pilot of the amateur-built experimental light sport aircraft (E-LSA) Quicksilver MXL II airplane, "bounced" and decided to abort the landing. As he applied power to the engine, the airplane encountered a wind gust, banked sharply right, and lost altitude. During the aborted landing, the airplane passed in close proximity to a utility pole, clearing the obstacle by approximately 20 feet, as the airplane continued to turn to the right in a steep bank. After completing a full 180-degree turn, the airplane descended and impacted a fence pole, substantially damaging the right wing. The reported wind, at an airport located approximately 28 miles southwest of the accident site, about the time of the accident, was from 250 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 19 knots.

Contributing factors

  • cause Student pilot
  • factor Effect on operation

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 250/15kt, vis 10sm

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