N212LB

Substantial
Serious

BECKERT BRUCE A RV-6S/N: 20463

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, May 13, 2012
NTSB Number
CEN12CA294
Location
Au Gres, MI
Event ID
20120514X31656
Coordinates
44.000000, -83.666664
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s low altitude maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent impact with the water.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
BECKERT BRUCE A
Serial Number
20463
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
RV-6RV6
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
RV-6

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
2025 CARMAN DR
City
SAGINAW
State / Zip Code
MI 48602-2915
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot contacted his friend and told him to be at the beach and watch for the airplane. The friend reported that he saw the airplane make about three passes up-and-down the beach. On the third pass he said the airplane made a steep left turn, which he believed resulted in a stall. The airplane impacted the water, just offshore. Several other witnesses responded and aided in removing the pilot from the airplane and water. The airplane’s forward fuselage was heavily damaged during the impact and came to rest in about 5 feet of water. The pilot reported that as he arrived at the peninsula, he proceeded across the shoreline and then crossed the beach; he dropped to an altitude of approximately 100 feet. He added that he made a right turn, then after passing the bridge, he made a tight left turn and “felt a bump/drop, as if my left wing lost lift”. He added that he leveled off, slightly nose high, and headed in an east, south east direction. The pilot could not recall any further details of the accident.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN12CA294