N1762C

Substantial
Serious

Lyons Navajo HKSS/N: 74178

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, August 7, 2008
NTSB Number
SEA08CA172
Location
Waterville, WA
Event ID
20080828X01349
Coordinates
47.799999, -119.800003
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
2
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering. Contributing to the accident was a microburst condition.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
LYONS
Serial Number
74178
Engine Type
4-cycle
Year Built
2007
Model / ICAO
Navajo HKSFEST
Aircraft Type
Weight Shift Control
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
NAVAJO HKS

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
FELTY WESLEY R
Address
2628 133RD PL SE
City
MILL CREEK
State / Zip Code
WA 98012-5656
Country
United States

Analysis

The sport pilot flight instructor reported that while maneuvering during a local instructional flight, he noticed dust forming in a circular pattern within the air near their position. The student pilot, who was flying the airplane, initiated a climbing 180-degree turn towards their point of departure. While approaching a ridge line about 800 feet above ground level, the instructor noted the turbulence was increasing while the airplane started to descend and took control of the airplane. The instructor stated that despite using full throttle, the airplane continued to descend rapidly while "getting forced down by a microburst," prompting him to initiate a forced landing into an open field. The instructor added that due to the low altitude, he was unable to align the airplane with the rows of dirt. During the approach to landing, the airplane "caught some lift" and subsequently entered a "strong down draft" and impacted the ground. Examination of the airplane by the instructor revealed that both wings and fuselage framing were structurally damaged. The instructor stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the engine or flight control system that would have prevented normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA08CA172