N175LM

Substantial
None

Flight Design CTLSS/N: F-12-03-10

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, May 5, 2019
NTSB Number
GAA19CA242
Location
Sandy Valley, NV
Event ID
20190505X55947
Coordinates
35.793609, -115.626663
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's steep bank turn at low altitude, which resulted in a rapid descent and hard landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N175LM
Make
FLIGHT DESIGN
Serial Number
F-12-03-10
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2012
Model / ICAO
CTLSFDCT
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
WHITESIDE JOHN M III
Address
900 LAS VEGAS BLVD S UNIT 1410
Status
Deregistered
City
LAS VEGAS
State / Zip Code
NV 89101-6865
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during a biennial flight review, he was briefed by the flight instructor to expect a simulated engine failure during takeoff and an engine-out approach to a perpendicular runway. He departed runway 21, and about 400 ft above ground, reduced power and turned left for the dirt runway 12. He overshot the dirt runway, banked to 40°, and felt a "strong sink." He leveled the wings and added full power about 150 to 200 ft, but the airplane continued to descend. The instructor stated he considered taking the flight controls, but the pilot maintained control. The airplane landed hard, the right main landing gear struck a "rabbit hole", the airplane veered right, and the left main landing gear separated.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation station located about 26 miles to the east reported that, about 4 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 220° at 10 knots, temperature 72°F, dew point 34°F, altimeter setting 29.79" Hg. The pilot reported that the wind was variable at 5 to 15 knots, gusting to greater than 15 knots, temperature 80°F. The pilot added that there was severe windshear and, later in the day, the assistant airport manager reported observing a dust devil over the accident site.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA242