Summary
On May 20, 2003, a Virginia Aviation Wright Model B (N1911K) was involved in an accident near Midland, VA. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control.
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.
This accident is documented in NTSB report NYC03LA111. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N1911K.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
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.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC03LA111