Summary
On May 10, 2017, a Reupert Mark AVID FLYER (N532SE) was involved in an accident near Reedsville, PA. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury, 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The sport pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.
The sport pilot, was also the owner of the experimental, amateur-built, tailwheel airplane stated that he was demonstrating maneuvers for the purpose of developing his brother's familiarity with the make and model airplane. The sport pilot's brother was a pilot-rated passenger, seated in the right seat and had not previously flown the make and model airplane. After completing about 1 hour of maneuvers, the sport pilot's brother attempted a takeoff in calm wind. During the takeoff roll, as the tail became airborne, the airplane began to swerve. The sport pilot's brother overcorrected for the swerve and the airplane departed the right side of the runway. The sport pilot attempted to regain control and climb over obstacles, but the airplane stalled and impacted a field.
This accident is documented in NTSB report ERA17CA177. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N532SE.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The sport pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The sport pilot, was also the owner of the experimental, amateur-built, tailwheel airplane stated that he was demonstrating maneuvers for the purpose of developing his brother's familiarity with the make and model airplane. The sport pilot's brother was a pilot-rated passenger, seated in the right seat and had not previously flown the make and model airplane. After completing about 1 hour of maneuvers, the sport pilot's brother attempted a takeoff in calm wind. During the takeoff roll, as the tail became airborne, the airplane began to swerve. The sport pilot's brother overcorrected for the swerve and the airplane departed the right side of the runway. The sport pilot attempted to regain control and climb over obstacles, but the airplane stalled and impacted a field. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed damage to both wings and the fuselage. The inspector did not observe any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilots report any.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA17CA177