N511QC

Substantial
Serious

ZENITH ACFT CO STOL CH 701S/N: 7-8815

Accident Details

Date
Friday, February 27, 2015
NTSB Number
CEN15CA160
Location
Marion, SD
Event ID
20150303X75739
Coordinates
43.484443, -97.241668
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 failed to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering to land resulting in contact with a power line and the ground. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
ZENITH ACFT CO
Serial Number
7-8815
Engine Type
4-cycle
Model / ICAO
STOL CH 701
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
STOL CH 701

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
PERRY WILLIAM J
Address
810 JIM TOWN RD # 108
City
LOSTINE
State / Zip Code
OR 97857-2007
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot was relocating his airplane to a private airstrip. On arriving at the airstrip, the pilot did two takeoffs and landings without incident. During the takeoff and climb for a third approach and landing, the pilot experienced and uncontrolled roll to the left. The pilot put in right aileron but the input did not seem to have any effect on the roll. The roll turned the airplane toward a power line located east of the runway. The pilot could not recall if he applied engine power or tried to climb to keep the airplane from contacting the power line. The airplane struck the power line and subsequently impacted the ground seriously injuring the pilot and resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing. The airplane was equipped with flaperons. The pilot said he was not using flaps, and that the airplane's thick wing reduced the effect of power during the descent. The pilot reported having one hour total time 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# CEN15CA160