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NTSB Report

September 24, 2000 · Morrison RANS-12 · N91337

Warrenton, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 24, 2000
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Warrenton, VA
Aircraft
Morrison RANS-12
Tail Number
N91337
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC00LA266

As the airplane arrived in the airport area, the pilot observed a thunderstorm "moving in" from the west/northwest, at a distance of about 10 miles. As the pilot turned left base for final approach, about 150-200 feet above the ground, a gust of wind came over the trees and "flipped the airplane over." The airplane descended, impacted trees, and crashed onto the runway. The pilot additionally stated that he was at an indicated airspeed of 50-55 mph when he encountered the wind gust and that the stalling speed of the airplane was 37 mph. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airplane Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-3 stated, "After turning onto the base leg, the pilot should start the descent with reduced power and an airspeed of approximately 1.4 Vso." FAA Advisory Circular AC 61-67B stated, Stall and Spin Awareness Training, "Turbulence can cause an aircraft to stall at a significantly higher airspeed than in stable conditions. A vertical gust or windshear can cause a sudden change in the relative wind, and result in an abrupt increase in angle of attack. Although a gust may not be maintained long enough for a stall to develop, the aircraft may stall while the pilot is attempting to control the flightpath, particularly during an approach in gusty conditions. When flying in moderate to severe turbulence or strong crosswinds, a higher than normal approach speed should be maintained. In cruise flight in moderate or severe turbulence, an airspeed well above the indicated stall speed and below maneuvering speed should be used." The winds recorded at a nearby airport, about the time of the accident were from 350 degrees at 6 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate airspeed which resulted in the inadvertent stall. A factor related to the accident was the gusting wind condition.

Full Narrative

On September 24, 2000, about 1730 Eastern Daylight Time, a homebuilt Rans-12, N91337, was substantially damaged while landing at the Warrenton Airpark, Warrenton, Virginia. The certificated private pilot was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, as he arrived in the airport area, he observed a thunderstorm "moving in" from the west/northwest, at a distance of about 10 miles. He entered the traffic pattern for the north runway and did not experience any noticeable turbulence. As he was turning left base for final approach, about 150-200 feet above the ground, a gust of wind came over the trees and "flipped the airplane over." The airplane descended, impacted trees, and crashed onto the runway. The pilot additionally stated that he was at an indicated airspeed of 50-55 mph when he encountered the wind gust and that the stalling speed of the airplane was 37 mph. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airplane Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-3 stated, "After turning onto the base leg, the pilot should start the decent with reduced power and an airspeed of approximately 1.4 Vso." FAA Advisory Circular AC 61-67B stated, Stall and Spin Awareness Training, "Turbulence can cause an aircraft to stall at a significantly higher airspeed than in stable conditions. A vertical gust or windshear can cause a sudden change in the relative wind, and result in an abrupt increase in angle of attack. Although a gust may not be maintained long enough for a stall to develop, the aircraft may stall while the pilot is attempting to control the flightpath, particularly during an approach in gusty conditions. When flying in moderate to severe turbulence or strong crosswinds, a higher than normal approach speed should be maintained. In cruise flight in moderate or severe turbulence, an airspeed well above the indicated stall speed and below maneuvering speed should be used." The winds recorded at an airport located 5 miles southwest of the accident site, at 1703, were from 350 degrees at 5 knots. At 1723, the winds were from 350 degrees at 6 knots, and at 1744, the winds were from 010 at 8 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 EDT
Nearest AirportWarrenton Airpark (0nm)
Runway0
Runway Length3000 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMorrison RANS-12
Tail NumberN91337
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 582 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 6 kt
Visibility4 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 10000 ft
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:23
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data