N650WP

Substantial
Minor

HIRN ASSOCIATES LTD ZODIAC CH601XLS/N: 6-7152

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, July 17, 2016
NTSB Number
ERA16CA259
Location
Hedgesville, WV
Event ID
20160718X40715
Coordinates
39.574722, -77.971389
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’s inadvertent activation of the elevator trim, which resulted in a premature takeoff and subsequent loss of airplane control and collision with trees.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N650WP
Make
HIRN ASSOCIATES LTD
Serial Number
6-7152
Year Built
2011
Model / ICAO
ZODIAC CH601XL

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SONEN JUAN JR
Address
516 SANDPIPER LN
Status
Deregistered
City
MESQUITE
State / Zip Code
TX 75149-2911
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the experimental amateur-built airplane reported that during the takeoff roll at approximately 35 knots, he realized that he forgot to turn on the airplane's anti-collision lights. He reached over to turn them on and his forearm brushed across the top of the control stick and activated the electric trim to a full nose up position. The airplane suddenly climbed off the runway in a steep nose high attitude to an altitude of about 60 ft before it started a roll to the left towards trees. As the airplane rolled left, the pilot attempted to compensate with right rudder and aileron input, but it had little effect on directional control, so he elected to turn back to the left and try to climb over the trees. The airplane impacted the top of the tree canopy then descended through the trees and impacted the ground. The wings and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane 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# ERA16CA259