N434WM

Substantial
Serious

MCFARLAND WM H RANS S6SS/N: 07001379S

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, July 30, 2011
NTSB Number
ERA11CA432
Location
Huntington, WV
Event ID
20110801X62907
Coordinates
38.455833, -82.307220
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The failure of both pilots to maintain proper pitch control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was both pilots' inexperience in the airplane make/model.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
MCFARLAND WM H
Serial Number
07001379S
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
RANS S6S
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
RANS S6S

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
EDMUNDS ROBERT L JR
Address
2255 GRANGER RD
City
ORTONVILLE
State / Zip Code
MI 48462-9201
Country
United States

Analysis

During the initial portion of a training flight in the tailwheel-equipped amateur-built airplane, the flight instructor demonstrated two takeoffs and landings to the pilot. The pilot then assumed the controls and began the takeoff roll. The flight instructor directed the pilot to rotate the tail of the airplane into the air by increasing nose down pitch; according to the flight instructor, the pilot did not add enough forward pressure and the airplane seemed like it was still in a nose high attitude. The flight instructor then assisted the pilot by pushing forward on the control stick to what looked like a level attitude. The propeller struck the ground and the airplane nosed over, coming to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the tail and right wing. Both pilots noted no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Neither pilot had any previous experience performing takeoffs or landings in the accident airplane make and 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# ERA11CA432