N828S Leach Michael RANS S7S accident

NTSB ANC22LA013 · 2022-01-16 · Winnemucca, NV · near WMC

Docket — crew, injuries and powerplant

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that, before takeoff he noticed a visible layer of frost covering the airplane’s wings. He removed the frost with a towel and proceeded with the engine warm up and preflight checks which lasted about 20 minutes. During the initial climb, the airplane felt “mushy” and failed to gain altitude. The pilot elected to conduct an off-airport landing to a brush covered field. During the landing the airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that the frost must have reformed before takeoff and that there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to ensure the airplane’s wings were free of contaminates before departure. 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

Dawn

Sky condition

NONE

Ceiling (ft)

0

Visibility (sm)

10

Wind direction

80

Wind speed (kt)

3

Temperature (F)

30

Nearest airport

Winnemucca Municipal Airport

Distance from field

0.25

Airport elevation

4308

Aircraft

Sequence of events

Findings