No fatalities

27 Feb 2015: ZENITH ACFT CO STOL CH 701 — Pilot — Marion, SD

Marion, SD, United States

On 27 Feb 2015, a ZENITH ACFT CO STOL CH 701 operated by Pilot was involved in an aviation accident near Marion, SD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering to land resulting in contact with a power line and the ground. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot flying an unfamiliar airplane with flaperons experienced an uncontrolled left roll during takeoff, struck a power line, and crashed, resulting in serious injury.

Incident Overview

A pilot relocating an airplane to a private airstrip performed two uneventful takeoffs and landings. On the third takeoff and climb, the pilot encountered an uncontrolled roll to the left. Applying right aileron had no apparent effect. The roll directed the airplane toward a power line located east of the runway.

Collision and Impact

The airplane struck the power line and subsequently impacted the ground, seriously injuring the pilot. The crash caused substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing.

Aircraft and Pilot Details

The airplane was equipped with flaperons. The pilot reported not using flaps during the flight. He noted that the aircraft's thick wing reduced the effect of power during the descent. The pilot had accumulated one hour of total time in the accident airplane make and model.

Pilot Account

The pilot could not recall whether he applied engine power or attempted to climb to avoid the power line.

Contributing factors

Causes

Lateral/bank control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome