N7675K

Substantial
None

AEROTRIKE SAFARIS/N: 270S

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, September 24, 2017
NTSB Number
GAA17CA553
Location
Bridgeton, NJ
Event ID
20170924X10414
Coordinates
39.470001, -75.271942
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing while conducting an off-airport precautionary landing after a bird strike.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N7675K
Make
AEROTRIKE
Serial Number
270S
Engine Type
Turbo-jet
Year Built
1998
Model / ICAO
SAFARIL29
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
MCDOWELL CHARLES T
Address
184 DEALTOWN RD
Status
Deregistered
City
PITTSGROVE
State / Zip Code
NJ 08318-3820
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the weight-shift-control aircraft reported that, during the base leg turn, a flock of small birds entered the flight path and he banked to avoid them. He added that, a moment later a larger bird struck the support cable on the right wing. No control issues were evident, however, he decided to land in a cleared field to check the structure for damage. Subsequently, during the landing in the field, the nosewheel hit the ground hard, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the weight-shift-control aircraft 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# GAA17CA553