N121L

Substantial
Minor

SPORT PLANE DYNAMICS LLC LIGHTNINGS/N: 45

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
NTSB Number
WPR10CA467
Location
Glendale, AZ
Event ID
20100922X32537
Coordinates
33.526943, -112.295280
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and loss of directional control.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
SPORT PLANE DYNAMICS LLC
Serial Number
45
Engine Type
4-cycle
Year Built
2010
Model / ICAO
LIGHTNINGBPAT
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
LIGHTNING

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
WHEELER PHILIP G
Address
3140 SPYGLASS DR
City
GRAND PRAIRIE
State / Zip Code
TX 75052-7509
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot-owner completed building his airplane and then performed a test flight with a pilot-rated passenger on board. The pilot-owner reported that the passenger was on board to assist him in becoming acquainted with the airplane's flying characteristics because the passenger had flying experience in somewhat similar airplanes. The passenger stated that after various maneuvers were performed, the pilot-owner attempted to land. Following the landing flare the pilot lost control of the airplane, it bounced several times, veered off the runway, and it came to rest in a nose low upright attitude. The airplane's undercarriage partially collapsed, both ailerons and the rudder were bent, and the airplane was substantially damaged. Airport personnel reported that the wind speed was 3 knots. No mechanical failures or malfunctions were reported.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR10CA467