N8157Q

Substantial
Serious

McNicholas S-12S/N: 0194470

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, August 25, 2007
NTSB Number
ATL07CA107
Location
Cambridge, MD
Event ID
20070918X01409
Coordinates
38.547222, -76.047225
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The non certificated pilot's failure to remove the control lock prior to taxi and takeoff.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N8157Q
Make
MCNICHOLAS
Serial Number
0194470
Model / ICAO
S-12

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
HILL ROBERT C
Address
9801 KISCONKO RD
Status
Deregistered
City
FORT WASHINGTON
State / Zip Code
MD 20744-6916
Country
United States

Analysis

The non-certificated pilot stated he completed an adjustment on the brake linage and taxied the airplane to the runway to test the brakes. The cockpit, before starting, and pre take off checklist were not performed. The pilot applied power after taxing onto the runway and the airplane became airborne. The nose of the airplane pitched straight up, and the airplane reached an altitude of about 30 feet. The pilot stated he attempted to push the control stick forward to lower the nose and was unsuccessful. The control stick was moved to the left and the pilot reduced the power. The airplane turned to the left in a nose down, left wing low attitude, and collided with the ground. The pilot exited the airplane, reached back inside the airplane, and shut the engine down. When the pilot was asked if he experienced any mechanical malfunction before the accident, he stated no, "It was a dumb mistake, I did not remove the seatbelt from around the right control stick."

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ATL07CA107