Summary
On January 13, 1999, a Trohoski VARI-EZE (N721NT) was involved in an accident near Tupelo, MS. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's improper flare and compensation for wind conditions upon landing. Factors in the accident were the pilot's inadequate recurrent training and lack of experience with the airplane.
On January 13, 1999, at 1030 central standard time, an experimental amateur built Trohoski Vari-eze, N721NT, nosed over at Tupelo Municipal Airport in Tupelo, Mississippi. The airplane was operated by the certificated, non-current owner/private pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local pleasure flight. The pilot received minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane departed Tupelo Municipal Airport, Tupelo, Mississippi, at 1026.
The pilot stated, on final approach at 10 to 15 feet AGL and performing the landing flare, a gust of wind caught the airplane causing it to pitch up 30 to 40 degrees.
This accident is documented in NTSB report ATL99LA043. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N721NT.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper flare and compensation for wind conditions upon landing. Factors in the accident were the pilot's inadequate recurrent training and lack of experience with the airplane.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On January 13, 1999, at 1030 central standard time, an experimental amateur built Trohoski Vari-eze, N721NT, nosed over at Tupelo Municipal Airport in Tupelo, Mississippi. The airplane was operated by the certificated, non-current owner/private pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local pleasure flight. The pilot received minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane departed Tupelo Municipal Airport, Tupelo, Mississippi, at 1026.
The pilot stated, on final approach at 10 to 15 feet AGL and performing the landing flare, a gust of wind caught the airplane causing it to pitch up 30 to 40 degrees. The pilot believes he overcorrected and drove the airplane into the runway.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who visited the site, no mechanical discrepancies were noted with the aircraft and both engine and flight control continuity was established. The nose gear and main landing gear were sheared off. Damage was noted to the wooden spar in the main wing and the leading canard wing was broken off. During a review of the aircraft records by the FAA, the last annual inspection recorded was June 6, 1987. The aircraft was operated with no airworthiness certificate, no registration certificate, no conditional inspection, nor did the pilot have a current flight review. The pilot had not flown since 1994.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ATL99LA043