N1911K

On May 19, 2003, about 2020 eastern daylight time, a homebuilt Wright Model B, N1911K, was substantially damaged when it struck trees while maneuvering at Horse Feathers Airport (53VA), Midland, Virginia. The certificated airline transport pilot sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the flight which was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to the pilot, the airplane was an exact replica of the original Wright Model B, produced by the Wright Brothers. The airplane had been difficult to control during taxi, and the airplane was undergoing a series of taxi tests on a 200-foot-wide turf runway. While taxiing, the airplane unexpectedly became airborne. The pilot was not sure if he could land the airplane in the space remaining, and elected maneuver for a landing attempt. The airplane entered a series of slide slips which the pilot was able to correct from; however, on final approach, the airplane entered a slide slip to the left. The pilot was unable to recover and the airplane impacted trees.

The airplane had not flown previous to the accident.

Winds reported at airport 8 nautical miles to the southwest, about the time of the accident, were calm.