Accident Overview
On October 14, 2012, at approximately 1116 eastern standard time, an experimental Airborne Wind Sports XT-912, registration N811RW, collided with the ground at Winter Haven's Gilbert Airport (GIF) in Winter Haven, Florida. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The sport pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Funwings Incorporated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that the aircraft had been conducting touch-and-go landings prior to the accident. They noted that nothing seemed abnormal with the aircraft but recalled that it was very windy for an ultralight. One witness estimated winds between 10 and 15 knots, unable to judge gusts. On the final touch-and-go from runway 5, the aircraft made a hard right bank immediately after takeoff at approximately 100 feet above ground level. The bank angle appeared excessive, estimated at 60 to 90 degrees. The engine sounded at full power and functioning normally. The aircraft impacted the ground approximately 100 to 150 yards from the witnesses. Witnesses assisted in extricating the occupants and waited for emergency personnel.
Pilot Information
The pilot, age 60, held a sport pilot certificate for weight-shift-control-land, issued August 2, 2012. Review of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records indicated the pilot had never been issued a medical certificate; the sport pilot was medically eligible to fly as a light sport pilot with a valid driver's license. The pilot's logbook was not recovered. A review of the aircraft's flight log showed the pilot had approximately 62 flight hours in the aircraft.
Aircraft Information
The two-seat, tricycle gear weight-shift-controlled aircraft, serial number XT-912-094, was manufactured in 2006. It was powered by a Rotax Bombardier model 912 UL 2, 100-hp engine. On June 17, 2012, a 50-hour inspection and oil change was accomplished at a total time of 291.2 hours. An aircraft log located in the aircraft showed 301.45 flight hours.
Weather Conditions
At 1053, the GIF automated weather observation station reported wind 080 degrees at 12 knots, visibility 10 miles, few clouds at 3,500 feet agl, temperature 29°C, dew point 20°C, and altimeter 30.11 inches of mercury. The pilot's operating handbook section 2.6.10 listed a maximum crosswind component of 12 knots.
Aircraft Examination
FAA examination found the fiberglass body ripped and distorted, frame slightly damaged, right wheel suspension destroyed, left suspension pulled away from the vertical strut at the axle, and front wheel assembly undamaged. The engine was impact-damaged with the carburetor dislocated; oil reservoir rotated, and oil, coolant, and gas spillage occurred. The wing was impact-damaged with batten tips broken off; King Post in place, all Luff Lines and Kiel brace cables present. Front flying wires both broken at the down tube connection; right wire had a broken loop at the swan catch with a separated loop due to pavement friction. Rear flying wires correctly connected. One side of control bar disconnected for transport; the other bent and broken. Right cross tube and down tube bent on the impact side.
Toxicology
Autopsies were performed on the pilot and passenger on October 15, 2012, by the Office of the District Medical Examiner, Winter Haven, Florida. FAA's Civil Aerospace Medical Institute performed forensic toxicology on specimens from the passenger with negative results for drugs and alcohol, positive for rosuvastatin. Toxicology on pilot specimens was negative for ethanol; amlodipine was detected in liver and blood.
Additional Information
According to information from the FAA, the pilot was not in radio contact with air traffic control at departure, and no radio transmissions were recorded. The aircraft came to rest on its side on the airport ramp adjacent to a hangar.