29 Oct 2016: AEROS 2

29 Oct 2016: AEROS 2 — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Blountstown, FL, United States

Probable cause

The noncertificated pilot's decision to fly the weight-shift-controlled aircraft without having received training in the aircraft type, which resulted in his loss of aircraft control shortly after takeoff.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The noncertificated pilot of a weight-shift controlled trike reported that during the takeoff he was "fighting the wing." He added that the aircraft was about 30 feet above ground, when he "pulled on the control bar," the right wing rose, and the left wing dipped down. The aircraft subsequently impacted the terrain in a left wing down attitude to the left of the runway.

The center fuselage spar and wing sustained substantial damage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the aircraft that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot added that the accident flight was his first flight in the unregistered trike. He added that he possessed no pilot certificate and had received no flight training prior to the accident flight. He reported that when he purchased the weight-shift controlled trike, the bill of sale indicated that the aircraft was an "ultralight."

According to the trike's operating manual, the aircraft specifications exceeded the maximum takeoff weight, fuel capacity, and seat limitations stated in 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 103 for ultralight aircraft.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pitch control — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Pilot
  • cause Pilot
  • cause Pilot

Conditions

Weather
VMC, vis 10sm

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