N215LY

Substantial
None

RANS S-4 Coyote IS/N: 00299

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, February 23, 2008
NTSB Number
CHI08CA086
Location
Lakeville, MN
Event ID
20080310X00289
Coordinates
44.627777, -93.228057
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his inadequate compensation for the crosswind conditions. Factors included the pilot's lack of experience in the make and model of the airplane and the crosswind gust.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N215LY
Make
RANS
Serial Number
00299
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2007
Model / ICAO
S-4 Coyote ICOY2
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
BARKER JAMES W
Address
101 W 95TH ST
Status
Deregistered
City
BLOOMINGTON
State / Zip Code
MN 55420-4306
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that he intended to takeoff in the tail wheel equipped airplane from runway 12 and remain in the traffic pattern. During the takeoff roll, the pilot put in full right aileron and held the elevator at a neutral position. He reported that he positioned the rudder "to maintain course on the longitudinal axis of the runway." He reported that during takeoff rotation, the airplane encountered a 5 - 7 knot right crosswind gust of wind which lifted the right wing up about 45 - 60 degrees in less than 1 second. The airplane veered to the left 45 degrees. The pilot reported that he attempted to use elevator and rudder inputs, but they "produced little or no response." The airplane veered further left, lost altitude, and impacted terrain. The right main landing gear collapsed and the tail wheel tail spring was bent left, which resulted in substantial damage. The pilot indicated that he had a total of 190 flight hours with 1 hour in make and model. The pilot reported there was no mechanical malfunction or failure.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI08CA086