Summary
On June 24, 2010, a Vans Aircraft INC RV-12 (N29CA) was involved in an accident near Salida, CO. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot’s incorrect elevator trim setting and his inexperience in the airplane make/model.
As the Experimental, Light-Sport Airplane (LSA) accelerated down the runway for its first flight, the airplane’s nose suddenly pitched up approximately 60 degrees. The pilot attempted to lower the nose by applying forward control stick pressure, but to no avail. The airplane stalled, pitched nose down, and impacted the ground; which resulted in the collapse of the nose landing gear and structural damage to the firewall. The airplane came to rest in an upright position and the pilot was able to exit the airplane unassisted. The pilot later reported that he had incorrectly set the airplane’s elevator trim which resulted in the uncommanded pitch up as the airplane approached flying speed. In addition, the pilot reported that this was his first flight in the airplane make/model.
This accident is documented in NTSB report CEN10CA342. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N29CA.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s incorrect elevator trim setting and his inexperience in the airplane make/model.
Aircraft Information
Analysis
As the Experimental, Light-Sport Airplane (LSA) accelerated down the runway for its first flight, the airplane’s nose suddenly pitched up approximately 60 degrees. The pilot attempted to lower the nose by applying forward control stick pressure, but to no avail. The airplane stalled, pitched nose down, and impacted the ground; which resulted in the collapse of the nose landing gear and structural damage to the firewall. The airplane came to rest in an upright position and the pilot was able to exit the airplane unassisted. The pilot later reported that he had incorrectly set the airplane’s elevator trim which resulted in the uncommanded pitch up as the airplane approached flying speed. In addition, the pilot reported that this was his first flight in the airplane make/model.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN10CA342