Incident Overview
On August 16, 2013, at approximately 1235 eastern daylight time, a Trick Trikes Storm Trooper weight-shift aircraft, registration N5157G, impacted terrain while maneuvering near Covert, Michigan. The aircraft was operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight departed without a flight plan from an unknown location near Cassapolis, Michigan.
Injuries and Damage
The student pilot sustained serious injuries, and the passenger received minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including damage to the structure of the wings, landing gear, and front section.
Witness Observations
According to witnesses, the aircraft made two low altitude passes over a congested, coastline beach area. Following these passes, the aircraft made a turn and impacted the beach area in a steep right bank. The final seconds of the flight were captured by witness video and photographs. Engine noise was present on the video, and no anomalies with the wing structure were indicated in the photographs.
Examination Findings
Examination of the airframe and engine by Federal Aviation Administration personnel revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Pilot and maintenance records were not available for the investigation. The pilot did not submit an NTSB Form 6120, despite repeated requests to do so.