N5142U

Substantial
Minor

MAIN AIR RAPIERS/N: 0101

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, August 2, 2015
NTSB Number
GAA15CA212
Location
Reidsville, NC
Event ID
20150804X75800
Coordinates
36.435276, -79.846389
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The student pilot landed with variable wind conditions, which resulted in an in-flight loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N5142U
Make
MAIN AIR
Serial Number
0101
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2000
Model / ICAO
RAPIERAT2P
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
STRASSBURG RODNEY D
Address
3670 DAY RD
Status
Deregistered
City
WALKERTOWN
State / Zip Code
NC 27051-9108
Country
United States

Analysis

The student pilot reported that the weight-shift control aircraft crossed the runway threshold at 20 feet above the ground, the aircraft drifted to the right. The student pilot "raised the right wing tip, to correct up"; a "large gust" of wind lifted the right wing upward and turned the aircraft sideways.

The aircraft impacted the ground, left main landing gear first. His foot "got stuck" in the foot actuated throttle, full throttle position, the aircraft impacted terrain on the edge of the adjacent taxi way.

The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The weight-shift-control aircraft sustained substantial damage to the wing.

METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION

A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport that the accident occurred, elevation 693 feet, revealed that, at 1515, conditions were wind at 120 at 3 knots, visibility of 10 statute miles, sky clear.

Runway Used: 31

Landing conditions at the time of the accident: about 3 knot tailwind and about .5 knot right crosswind.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA15CA212