Summary
On June 08, 2009, a Trick Trikes STORM THUNDER (N2598E) was involved in an accident near Raleigh, NC. 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 approach for landing.
The pilot delayed his flight due to fog in the local area. After departing, he flew around the local area for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. It then started to get bumpy due to thermals. He became a little disoriented, observed personnel next to their home, and circled the house several times. He decided to make an off field landing so he could get an address, call his wife, and recover the airplane. The pilot made an additional pass over the house, reversed course, and started an approach for landing. The pilot reported encountering an updraft about 30 to 40 feet above the ground. The nose of the airplane pitched up and the pilot secured the engine. He pushed the nose of the airplane down and the airplane then collided with the ground.
This accident is documented in NTSB report ERA09CA328. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N2598E.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control on approach for landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot delayed his flight due to fog in the local area. After departing, he flew around the local area for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. It then started to get bumpy due to thermals. He became a little disoriented, observed personnel next to their home, and circled the house several times. He decided to make an off field landing so he could get an address, call his wife, and recover the airplane. The pilot made an additional pass over the house, reversed course, and started an approach for landing. The pilot reported encountering an updraft about 30 to 40 feet above the ground. The nose of the airplane pitched up and the pilot secured the engine. He pushed the nose of the airplane down and the airplane then collided with the ground. The pilot stated there were no mechanical problems with the airplane. The homeowners at the accident site reported the sky was clear, no wind gust, and a gentle breeze.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA09CA328