21 May 2017: AIRTIME AIRCRAFT INC CYGNET NO SERIES

21 May 2017: AIRTIME AIRCRAFT INC CYGNET NO SERIES — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Casa Grande, AZ, United States

Probable cause

The flight instructor's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting crosswind conditions.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The flight instructor in the amphibious float-equipped weight-shift controlled trike reported that, he was demonstrating multiple touch-and-go landings for the student pilot, who was in the front seat of the tandem seat trike. He added that during the final approach, wind was "light and variable" and the landing was "smooth and stable." He further added that as power was applied to takeoff, a "gust of wind and dust came in from our left and got under the wing." Subsequently, the trike veered off the runway to the right and rolled over.

The wing and fuselage sustained substantial damage.

The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the trike that would have precluded normal operation.

An automated weather observation station, at the accident airport, about the time of the accident, recorded wind 330° at 9 knots. The flight instructor reported the takeoff was on runway 5.

Contributing factors

  • cause Instructor/check pilot
  • cause Directional control — Not attained/maintained
  • Effect on operation
  • Effect on operation

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 330/09kt, vis 10sm

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