N4367X

Substantial
Minor

TRICK TRIKES STORMS/N: TTS 020

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, July 31, 2016
NTSB Number
ERA16CA278
Location
Valkaria, FL
Event ID
20160801X65217
Coordinates
27.961389, -80.559448
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
2
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s premature rotation during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and a hard landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N4367X
Make
TRICK TRIKES
Serial Number
TTS 020
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2007
Model / ICAO
STORMBPAT
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
BOWERS MICHAEL S
Address
1641 NORMAN ST NE
Status
Deregistered
City
PALM BAY
State / Zip Code
FL 32907-2505
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the weight-shift aircraft reported that during takeoff he pitched upward excessively early for the aircraft's weight. Several feet above the ground, the aircraft descended and bounced off the runway. The pilot tried to regain control and take off again, but the aircraft came back down and bounced on the runway. The left main landing gear collapsed and the aircraft slid down the runway approximately 75 feet before coming to rest. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the aircraft. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the fuselage was substantially damaged.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA16CA278