N2011G

On November 13, 2004, about 1230 eastern standard time, a Joseph R. Sirgo Aquilla experimental amateur-built airplane, N2011G, registered to and operated by a private individual, as a Title 14 CFR part 91 personal flight, impacted a hangar during takeoff/initial climb. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The private-rated pilot and one passenger received serious injuries, and the airplane was destroyed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to an FAA inspector who responded to the accident scene, during the takeoff the passenger who was sitting in the front seat of the airplane, froze on the controls and the pilot could not overpower him. The inspector stated the pilot applied full power and attempted to climb over a hangar which was in the way, but he was unable to avoid impacting it. The aircraft impacted the hangar door and caused it to collapse, damaging an airplane which was in the hangar.

The pilot stated that while allowing his friend to control the airplane and at an altitude of about 100 to 150 feet, the passenger appeared to panic, pulled the control bar to his chest, and consequently put the airplane into a dive. The pilot stated that he yelled "let go I've got it", the passenger released the bar and the pilot stabilized the airplane. He further stated that the passenger again pulled the control bar, the airplane veered to the right, and the pilot could not regain control. According to the pilot, there were no known anomolies or malfunctions to the aircraft or any of its systems prior to the accident.