N2552S

Substantial
Minor

PHANTOM AIRCRAFT CO PHANTOM X 1S/N: 602

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
NTSB Number
CEN14CA413
Location
Three Rivers, MI
Event ID
20140808X20527
Coordinates
41.958610, -85.591941
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot did not maintain adequate airspeed while flying a visual pattern, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PHANTOM AIRCRAFT CO
Serial Number
602
Engine Type
2-cycle
Year Built
1984
Model / ICAO
PHANTOM X 1AT5P
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
1
FAA Model
PHANTOM X-1

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
WILKINS PETER E
Address
708 HOMECREST AVE
City
KALAMAZOO
State / Zip Code
MI 49001-3717
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot flew a visual traffic pattern to a grass runway utilized by a combination of light sport aircraft, powered parachutes, and radio controlled aircraft. While on downwind at 400 feet above ground level, the pilot noticed three ground vehicles parked in a lot often used by pilots when they flew radio controlled aircraft. As he searched for possible radio controlled aircraft, the pilot became distracted and allowed his airspeed to decrease, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. The pilot was unable to regain control and the airplane subsequently impacted a line of trees.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN14CA413