N677NC

Substantial
Minor

FLIGHTSTAR SPORTPLANES FLIGHTSTAR IIS/N: 271

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, May 25, 2013
NTSB Number
ERA13CA255
Location
York, SC
Event ID
20130527X93450
Coordinates
35.025833, -81.251663
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
2
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control while landing in gusty wind conditions.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
FLIGHTSTAR SPORTPLANES
Serial Number
271
Engine Type
2-cycle
Year Built
2000
Model / ICAO
FLIGHTSTAR IIAC4
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
FLIGHTSTAR II

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
PEELER JAMES K
Address
2491 HIGHWAY 274
City
CHERRYVILLE
State / Zip Code
NC 28021-9629
Country
United States

Analysis

The private pilot was attempting to land an experimental airplane on a grass runway. As the airplane descended to treetop level on final approach, it encountered a sudden decrease in airspeed and a rapid rate of descent. After arresting the descent the airplane caught a gust of wind and the left wing rose almost vertically and pushed the airplane to the right. The pilot was able to correct the right roll; however, the airplane impacted a fence and continued about 10 feet before colliding with the side of a hangar resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would preclude normal operations, and stated that he should have attempted to land with a faster airspeed due to the gusty wind conditions.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA13CA255