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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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May 21, 1994 · Mid State Ultra Light Challenger II Challenger · UNREG

Islamorada, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 21, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Islamorada, FL
Aircraft
Mid State Ultra Light Challenger II Challenger
Tail Number
UNREG
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA94LA146

The pilot stated he was at 1,200 feet AGL flying towards the coastline from the east, and he encountered turbulent air conditions over the edge of the land mass. The airplane rolled to the left and the nose pitched down. He pushed the control stick forward, and applied right aileron and rudder. He regained control of the airplane at about 600 feet and circled back for landing. While on final approach for landing at about 75 to 150 feet AGL over the same land mass, the airplane rolled to the left and the nose pitched down. He attempted the same recovery procedure as before without success. The airplane collided with the water in a nose-down attitude. He stated he could not remember what his airspeed was before the airplane rolled to the left, and that he had not determined the new stall speed for the airplane after the installation of the float kit. He further stated there was no evidence of a precrash mechanical failure of the airframe, flight controls, engine assembly or accessories.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed (VS) while landing in turbulent air resulting in an in-flight loss of control (inadvertent stall), and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.

Full Narrative

On May 21, 1994, about 1600 eastern standard time, an unregistered experimental airplane, Challenger II, crashed while landing in Florida Bay, in the vicinity of Islamorada, Florida. The experimental airplane was operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The uncertificated pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Holiday Isle, Florida, about 20 minutes before the accident. The pilot stated he was at 1,200 feet agl flying towards the coastline from the east, when he encountered turbulent air conditions over the edge of the land mass. The airplane rolled to the left, and the nose pitched down. He pushed the control stick forward, and applied right aileron and rudder. He regained control of the airplane at about 600 feet and circled back for landing. While on final approach for landing at about 75 to 150 feet agl over the same land mass, the airplane rolled to the left and the nose pitched down. He attempted the same recovery procedure as before which was uneventful. The airplane collided with the water in a nose-down attitude. He stated he could not remember what his airspeed was before the airplane rolled to the left, and that he had not determined the new stall speed for the airplane after the installation of the float kit. He further stated there was no evidence of a precrash mechanical failure of the airframe, flight controls, engine assembly or accessories.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMid State Ultra Light Challenger II Challenger
Tail NumberUNREG
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsHirth · 2703-2C · Reciprocating · 55
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 30 · Unknown

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 6 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data