N25VP

Substantial
None

FERDON THORP T 18S/N: 07

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, December 20, 2014
NTSB Number
WPR15CA066
Location
San Rafael, CA
Event ID
20141220X75830
Coordinates
38.009998, -122.500000
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's delayed decision to abort the takeoff. Contributing to the accident are an inadequate modification to the seat position, and the pilot's failure to check flight controls for freedom and correct movement.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N25VP
Make
FERDON
Serial Number
07
Year Built
1975
Model / ICAO
THORP T 18

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
129 CLARK ST
Status
Deregistered
City
SAN RAFAEL
State / Zip Code
CA 94901-3604
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that prior to the flight in the experimental airplane, he unbolted and rebolted the pilot's seat from its middle position to the forward position. He did not check to see if the flight control stick movement would be restricted in this new configuration.

During the takeoff roll, the airplane would not rotate when he moved the flight control stick aft. Not realizing the seat prevented the flight control stick movement to the full aft position, the pilot adjusted the elevator trim and the airplane subsequently lifted off, however, it would not climb. The pilot then aborted the takeoff; however, the airplane did not have sufficient distance to stop. It departed the runway surface and traversed through a field, impacted trees, and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, rudder, and vertical stabilator. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR15CA066