What happened
On November 28, 2012, an experimental amateur-built Comp Air 8, registration N155JD, was involved in an accident during an approach to Merritt Island Airport (COI) in Florida. The flight, operated by a private individual, had previously traveled from North Carolina to South Carolina before departing for the accident site. During the en route phase, approximately 15 and a half miles north of Ormond Beach, the aircraft began exhibiting a persistent left rolling tendency. The pilot attempted to mitigate this by using right aileron inputs and switching the fuel selector to the left tank to reduce weight on the wing, but the effort required to maintain directional control increased over time.
Upon arriving at the airport traffic pattern for runway 29, the pilot struggled with a northwest crosswind, causing the aircraft to drift toward the southern edge of the runway. After two unsuccessful landing attempts and subsequent go-arounds, the pilot applied engine power for a second go-around attempt. During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a slow roll to the left that could not be corrected with rudder or aileron inputs. The pilot reduced power in an attempt to stabilize the plane, but the left wing subsequently struck the ground, causing the aircraft to flip over. The impact caused the propeller, empennage, and left wing to separate from the fuselage. The accident resulted in one serious injury to the pilot and one minor injury to a passenger.
Findings
An investigation by the FAA found no evidence of mechanical malfunctions that would have prevented the aircraft from operating normally prior to the impact. While the rudder and elevator servos were found to be functioning correctly, the aileron control servo sustained damage during the crash sequence that prevented testing. The aircraft, a composite-material turboprop, suffered compromised fuel tanks during the event.