Summary
On June 30, 2017, a Urbanczyk Miroslaw RADIO FLYER (N385MU) was involved in an incident near Tehachapi, CA. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from residential buildings and trees in gusting wind conditions.
According to a local news report, after the accident the non-certificated pilot stated, "The wind got the better of me and the near death experience is pretty interesting." He further stated, "I tried to level out before the crash into the house and aimed for the tree. I thought we were dead and I pulled the yoke as far as I could to get the elevation leveled out, which saved our life. I hit the tree with the wing and we spun and landed." Subsequently, the airplane came to rest in the residential neighborhood.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings.
After multiple requests, the non-certificated pilot failed to submit the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Form 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report, as required.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA375. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N385MU.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from residential buildings and trees in gusting wind conditions.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
According to a local news report, after the accident the non-certificated pilot stated, "The wind got the better of me and the near death experience is pretty interesting." He further stated, "I tried to level out before the crash into the house and aimed for the tree. I thought we were dead and I pulled the yoke as far as I could to get the elevation leveled out, which saved our life. I hit the tree with the wing and we spun and landed." Subsequently, the airplane came to rest in the residential neighborhood.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings.
After multiple requests, the non-certificated pilot failed to submit the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Form 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report, as required.
The automated weather observation system on the accident site airport reported, about the time of the accident, the wind from 320° at 17 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The pilot departed on runway 29.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA375