UNREG

On May 4, 2003, at 1900 eastern daylight time, a homebuilt, unregistered airplane, operated by an uncertificated pilot, collided with the ground while attempting to takeoff from a private grass airstrip in Summerville, Georgia. The personal flight was operated under the provision of Title 14 CFR Part 91 and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the uncertificated pilot received serious injuries. The flight departed Summerville, Georgia, at 1857 on May 4, 2003.

According to family members, the uncertificated pilot operated his airplane from a private airstrip about 1/4 mile from the accident site. At the approximated time of the accident, a witness reported a loud noise and thought a car had crashed. The sheriff department dispatched deputies to the scene and discovered the downed airplane.

The wreckage distribution covered an area of 40 feet long and 30 feet wide along a magnetic path of 230 degrees. Examination of the downed airplane revealed that the right wing had crush damage with pieces of tree bark embedded into the leading edge. A broken tree with pieces of bark missing was located two feet away from the right wing. The flight controls were connected and moved freely. The fuel tanks were not breached and fuel was found in both wing tanks.

The uncertificated pilot did not report any problems with the airplane prior to the accident.