History of Flight
On July 23, 2018, at approximately 1645 eastern daylight time, an Aeros Venture 2000 experimental light sport weight-shift control aircraft (registration N43865) was involved in an accident near Bad Axe, Michigan. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The pilot, who held an airline transport pilot certificate, received fatal injuries. The flight was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
According to a family member, the pilot had recently purchased the aircraft, which required disassembly and trailering to his home. The accident flight was reported to be either the first or second flight since the purchase. The family member also noted that the pilot had previously owned three weight-shift control aircraft and had significant experience with this type.
Witnesses observed the aircraft in a spiraling, descending turn as it maneuvered toward a rural roadway. As it descended and neared the road, the wings momentarily leveled, then the aircraft immediately rolled inverted. The witnesses stated that as the aircraft began to recover, it struck a stand of tall trees bordering the roadway, causing substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.
Personnel Information
No personal flight records were located for the pilot. Aeronautical experience was obtained from FAA records. On his first-class medical certificate application dated October 27, 2017, he indicated a total of 14,000 flight hours, with 150 hours in the previous 6 months.
A friend and coworker reported that the pilot had mentioned needing to order tubing to repair the aircraft, but the friend was unaware of the specific repair or whether it had been completed.
Coworkers stated that on the day of the accident, the pilot flew two corporate flights for his employer and returned about 1325. He then left the airport, presumably driving home. One coworker reported watching the aircraft make two low passes over runway 22 at Huron County Memorial Airport (BAX) around 1516, eventually landing on runway 17. After landing, the pilot expressed difficulty controlling the aircraft at low airspeeds during the passes and concerns about the return flight, especially landing at his house. He stated that the aircraft was "very squirrely below 55 knots, almost like the wing has lost its wash."
Aircraft Information
The accident aircraft was an Aeros Venture 2000 experimental light sport weight-shift control aircraft. It consisted of a fabric-covered wing (sail) attached to a tubular structure with wheels, seats, an engine, and a propeller. The tubular wing structure was also fabric-covered. The component connecting the wing to the lower structure is known as the "hang point." The aircraft was powered by a Volkswagen 1830-series engine.
Wreckage and Impact Information
All major components were found at the accident site adjacent to a tree-lined rural roadway, approximately 60 feet west of the road. The roadway was bordered by trees 75 to 100 feet tall. The aircraft collided with a stand of trees about 75 feet tall. The wreckage came to rest about 25 feet above ground, suspended by large tree limbs and toppled trees.
The engine, fuel tank, and landing gear were severed upon impact and found on the ground near the tree base. The fuel tank was breached and empty. Inspection of fuel lines revealed only residual fuel, and no fuel remained in either fuel filter assembly.
A detailed examination of the engine and airframe found no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. However, impact damage prevented determination of the preaccident configuration, particularly of the wing and hang point mechanism.
Probable Cause
The accident investigation did not identify a probable cause.