CircumFlightUNREG accident
NTSB ERA17CA030 · 2016-10-28 · West Middlesex, PA · near PA21
Docket — crew, injuries and powerplant
Summary
According to the noncertificated pilot of the unregistered airplane, he was flying at a low altitude when he encountered a wind gust. He then lost control of the airplane, and it subsequently impacted trees, which resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Full narrative
According to the non-certificated pilot of the unregistered airplane, he was flying at a low altitude when he encountered a gust of wind. He then lost control of the airplane, and it subsequently impacted trees, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause
The noncertificated pilot’s loss of airplane control while maneuvering at a low altitude. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident.
Circumstances
- Event type
- Accident
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Weather conditions
- Visual Meteorological Cond
- Light condition
- Day
- Sky condition
- BKN
- Ceiling (ft)
- 25000
- Visibility (sm)
- 10
- Wind direction
- 170
- Wind speed (kt)
- 8
- Temperature (F)
- 52
- Nearest airport
- West Middlesex
- Distance from field
- 0.0
- Airport elevation
- 1100
Aircraft
| Registration | Make | Model | Damage | FAR part |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNREG | — | — | SUBS | 091 |
Sequence of events
| # | Occurrence | Phase |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maneuvering-low-alt flying Loss of control in flight defining | Climb |
| 2 | Maneuvering-low-alt flying Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) | Climb |