History of Flight
On August 27, 2012, about 1847 central daylight time, an experimental weight-shift-control Top Dog TD2 (trike) aircraft, N71314, impacted terrain while attempting to land at the Moberg Air Base Airport (MN13), near Bemidji, Minnesota. The private pilot was fatally injured, and the passenger was seriously injured. The aircraft sustained substantial structural damage. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight in day visual flight rules (VFR) conditions. The local flight originated from MN13.
The passenger, who had previous flying experience, stated that the pilot was giving rides over Grassy Lake. The passenger reported that after clearing a group of trees east of the runway, the pilot immediately banked hard right and initiated a steep descent angle while turning north. The steep nose-down attitude and bank angle remained unchanged until impact. The passenger did not observe any control difficulties or engine problems and never lost consciousness.
Witnesses saw the aircraft bank before landing. One witness noted the aircraft came in “a little sharp,” while another reported a normal-sounding landing with no engine trouble.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The pilot, aged 49, held a private pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating and a third-class medical certificate issued December 10, 2010. He reported 170 total flight hours, with 25 hours in the previous six months. According to FAA records, the pilot had approximately 170 hours in weight-shift-control aircraft, with about 150 hours before December 2011. He had not flown a weight-shift-control aircraft since April 2012, and had about 20 hours in type within the last year. He had about 2 hours in the accident aircraft.
The passenger held a third-class medical certificate with corrective lens limitation and reported 10 total flight hours, all within the prior six months.
The aircraft, serial number 9318, was an experimental Top Dog TD2 trike with a Rotax 582DCDI engine and a 62-inch ground-adjustable propeller. The wing was a Gibbo Gear Big Butterfly. Empty weight was 452 pounds; maximum gross weight was 950 pounds. The pilot purchased the aircraft on August 18, 2012.
Meteorological Information
At 1855, nearby Bemidji Regional Airport reported wind from 020 degrees at 4 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clear skies, temperature 23°C, dew point 9°C, and altimeter 30.11 inches of mercury.
Airport Information
MN13 is a private, non-towered airport with a 2,263-by-150-foot turf runway oriented northwest-southeast at an elevation of 1,373 feet.
Wreckage and Impact Information
Postaccident examination by an FAA inspector revealed no mechanical issues or anomalies that would have precluded normal operations.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy of the pilot, performed on August 28, 2012, listed the cause of death as exsanguination due to traumatic laceration of the thoracic aorta. A forensic toxicology report was negative for tested substances.