Accident Summary
On June 8, 2024, about 1950 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Zenith 701, registration N643E, was substantially damaged when it collided with trees near Ocala International Airport (OCF), Ocala, Florida. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Pilot and Owner Statements
The pilot reported that the airplane was on short final approach to runway 36, a 7,467-foot-long runway, when he encountered a large number of birds. He elected to perform a go-around to the left of the runway, but the airplane “did not climb as expected” and struck trees near the end of the runway. The pilot did not describe whether he used carburetor heat during the approach or after initiating the go-around.
During an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the airplane owner stated that the pilot was attempting to build flight experience to meet the requirements of an airline transport pilot certificate. The pilot worked for the owner part-time and asked to fly the accident airplane. The owner agreed but required the pilot to fly with a flight instructor due to his lack of experience in the make and model. The pilot did not follow the owner’s instructions and was flying solo at the time of the accident. The pilot reported a total flight experience of 490 hours, of which 1 hour was in the accident airplane make and model.
Witness and Video Evidence
An air traffic controller on duty stated that the airplane departed about 1930 and the pilot said he would be “doing pattern work.” The pilot completed two orbits but no touch-and-go landings. After two low approaches, the airplane was cleared to land on runway 36 and turned onto the base leg. On final approach, at an altitude about 20 feet above the runway, the airplane turned abruptly 45° to the west and appeared out of control. It then began to climb and turned “hard left and nose-dived” into the trees. The controller did not mention birds.
Airport security video captured the accident airplane on short final approach, but due to automatic panning, the accident sequence was not recorded. No birds were observed in the video when the airplane was on short final approach.
Wreckage and Engine Examination
An FAA inspector observed the wreckage nose-down in a wooded area. Both wings were bent forward and sustained damage to their leading edges. The fuselage also sustained substantial damage. The wreckage was transported to a recovery facility, where an independent mechanic started the engine and conducted a test run to full power.
Weather Conditions
The reported wind at OCF at 1951 was from 250° at 8 knots. The temperature was 31°C and the dew point was 24°C. The calculated relative humidity was 66 percent. Review of the icing probability chart in FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35 revealed that the atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to icing at “glide [idle] and cruise power.”