N730JB

On June 22, 2001, approximately 2030 central daylight time, an experimental amateur built Bowman Renegade Spirit, N730JB, piloted by an uncertificated pilot, was substantially damaged while maneuvering. The pilot was performing aerobatics when he heard a bang, at which time the airplane exhibited a left rolling tendency. He then activated a ballistic parachute system aboard the airplane. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot reported no injuries. The local flight departed from the pilot's private airstrip near Lynn Center, Illinois.

The pilot reported that he heard the bang while pulling up after which the airplane wanted to roll to the left. He added in a written statement, "Landed in a corn field after left lower wing failed. [The winds were 2-5 knots from the east]. Wing failed at 2,000 feet above ground level, [deployed chute] at 500 feet. Plane landed tail first and flipt over."

Examination of the airplane revealed that the lower left wing was twisted upwards relative to the wings approximate lateral axis. The upward twist extended from the wing root and was inclined to an apex and then on an declination to the wing tip. The apex was located on the wing's leading edge and forward of the left wing strut. Below the apex was a circular metallic cutout, which was surrounded by a rectangular pattern of six rivets, in wing's leading edge, . The cutout and its rectangular pattern was beneath the wing's fabric skin and was similar to a pitot tube mounting located on the upper right wing's leading edge. Flight control continuity from the cockpit controls to their respective control surfaces was established. The airplane was not equipped with a g-meter. The airplane accumulated a time of 108.1 hours.

The empty weight of the airplane was reported to be 520 lbs. Ten gallons of automotive fuel was reported to be on board at the time of the accident. The pilot's weight based upon his last medical/student pilot certificate was 200 lbs. According to the Renegade General Specs Page, the airplane's g-loading limit at a gross weight of 750 lbs is +10, -6 g's and at a gross weight of 950 lbs, the g-loading limit is +7.9, -4.7 g's.

The pilot's medical/student pilot certificate was issued on November 11, 1997. Federal Aviation Regulation 61.19(b) states, "A student pilot certificate expires 24 calendar months from the month in which it was issued."