N643E

On June 8, 2024, about 1950 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Zenith 701, N643E, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Ocala, Florida. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that the airplane was on short final approach to runway 36, a 7,467-ft-long runway at Ocala International Airport (OCF), Ocala, Florida. He reported that he encountered a large number of birds and elected to perform a go-around to the left of the runway; however, the airplane “did not climb as expected” and collided with trees near the end of the runway. The pilot did not describe whether or not he utilized carburetor heat during the landing approach or after initiating the go-around.

During an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, an air traffic controller on duty at the time of the accident stated that the airplane departed about 1930 and the pilot stated that he would be “doing pattern work.” The pilot completed two orbits but did not perform any touch-and-go landings. After completing two low approaches, the airplane was cleared to land on runway 36 and turned onto the base leg of the airport traffic pattern. On final approach, at an altitude about 20 ft above the runway, the airplane turned abruptly 45° to the west and appeared out of control. The airplane subsequently began to climb and then turned “hard left and nose-dived” into the trees. The controller did not mention birds during his interview.

Airport security video captured the accident airplane on short final approach. Due to automatic panning, the video did not capture the accident sequence, but no birds were observed when the airplane was on short final approach.

During an interview with an FAA inspector, the airplane owner stated that the pilot was attempting to build flight experience to meet the requirements of an airline transport pilot certificate. He worked for the owner part-time and asked if he could fly the accident airplane. The owner stated that he agreed, but required the pilot to fly with a flight instructor due to his lack of experience in the airplane make and model. The pilot did not follow the owner’s instructions and was flying solo at the time of the accident. The pilot reported a total flight experience of 490 hours, of which 1 hour was in the accident airplane make and model.

The FAA inspector observed the wreckage nose-down in a wooded area. Both wings were bent forward and sustained damaged to their leading edges. The fuselage also sustained substantial damage.

The wreckage was transported to a recovery facility, where an independent mechanic started the engine and conducted a test run to full power.

The reported wind at OCF at 1951 was from 250° at 8 knots. The reported temperature was 31°C and the dew point was 24°C. The calculated relative humidity at this temperature and dewpoint was 66 percent. Review of the icing probability chart contained within Federal Aviation Administration Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35 revealed the atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to icing at “glide [idle] and cruise power."