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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 31, 2000 · Hilyard Dragonfly · N22EX

Lancaster, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 31, 2000
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Lancaster, CA
Aircraft
Hilyard Dragonfly
Tail Number
N22EX
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX00LA210

During a series of high-speed runway taxi tests, a gust of wind caused the airplane to become airborne and veer to the right of centerline. Due to the insufficient remaining runway, the pilot added full power and continued the initial climb out within the traffic pattern. On the landing flare, a gust of wind raised the nose of the airplane reducing the airspeed, and the canard pitch authority became inadequate. The airplane struck the runway with the canard tip mounted wheels, porpoised three times, then departed the runway and came to rest nose down. Recorded winds were from 240 degrees at 12 knots gusting to 14 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while attempting to land in gusty wind conditions leading to an inadvertent stall/mush, which resulted in a porpoise and subsequent loss of directional control.

Full Narrative

On May 31, 2000, at 1232 hours Pacific daylight time, an experimental Hilyard Dragonfly, N22EX, veered off the runway during landing at the General William J. Fox Airfield, Lancaster, California. The personal flight, operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, by the owner/builder, sustained substantial damage. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no fight plan was filed. The flight originated from the airport at 1130. The automated weather reporting station on the field recorded the winds from 240 degrees at 12 knots with gusts to 14 knots. The pilot stated that he was accomplishing a series of high-speed runway taxi tests to verify operation of a new wheel/brake installation. A gust of wind caused the airplane to become airborne in ground effect and veer to the right of the centerline. Due to the insufficient runway length remaining, full power was added. The plane departed ground effect and climbed out. The pilot entered the traffic pattern and made a normal approach to land. The pilot stated that during the approach for landing the airplane was struck by another gust of wind that reduced his airspeed. He said he was "too high and slow," rendering the canard pitch authority inadequate. The airplane stuck the runway with the canard tip mounted wheels, and the airplane porpoised down the runway three times. He added power after the first bounce to restore airspeed prior to the occurrence of the second bounce. After the second bounce, he reduced the airspeed. On the third bounce the airplane did not respond to rudder inputs, departed the runway, and came to rest on its nose between the runway and the taxiway.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:32 PDT
Nearest AirportGeneral Wm J Fox Airfield (0nm)
Runway24
Runway Length7201 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHilyard Dragonfly
Tail NumberN22EX
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsMazda · 13B · Reciprocating · 60
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 61 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 12 kt, gusting 14 kt
Visibility40 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point19 C / 10 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time19:32
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data