Accident Details
Date
Thursday, October 8, 2009
NTSB Number
ERA10CA011
Location
Sims, NC
Event ID
20091008X94605
Coordinates
35.700000, -78.166664
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 altitude, resulting in controlled flight into water.
Aircraft Information
Registration
N18241
Make
REMOS AIRCRAFT GMBH
Serial Number
182
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Registered Owner (Historical)
Name
MASSEY JOHN THOMAS
Address
2385 STEEL BRIDGE RD
Status
Deregistered
City
CLAYTON
State / Zip Code
NC 27520-7836
Country
United States
Analysis
The pilot reported he was flying above the reservoir at 500 feet at approximately thirty minutes before sundown. As he completed a 180 degrees turn, the sun was in his eyes. He put on a cap to block the sun from his eyes, and as he was adjusting the cap, the aircraft impacted the water. The pilot stated he “apparently relaxed the back pressure on the stick enough to lose altitude.” During the impact, the right wing incurred substantial damage. No pre-impact malfunctions were reported by the pilot.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA10CA011