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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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May 20, 2003 · Virginia Aviation Wright Model B · N1911K

Midland, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 20, 2003
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Midland, VA
Aircraft
Virginia Aviation Wright Model B
Tail Number
N1911K
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC03LA111

The experimental airplane was undergoing a series of taxi tests on a 200-foot-wide turf runway. While taxiing, the airplane unexpectedly became airborne. The pilot was not sure if he could land the airplane in the space remaining, and elected to maneuver for a landing attempt. The airplane entered a series of slide slips which the pilot was able to correct from; however, on final approach, the airplane entered a slide slip to the left. The pilot was unable to recover and the airplane impacted trees. The airplane had not been flown previous to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control.

Full Narrative

On May 19, 2003, about 2020 eastern daylight time, a homebuilt Wright Model B, N1911K, was substantially damaged when it struck trees while maneuvering at Horse Feathers Airport (53VA), Midland, Virginia. The certificated airline transport pilot sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the flight which was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, the airplane was an exact replica of the original Wright Model B, produced by the Wright Brothers. The airplane had been difficult to control during taxi, and the airplane was undergoing a series of taxi tests on a 200-foot-wide turf runway. While taxiing, the airplane unexpectedly became airborne. The pilot was not sure if he could land the airplane in the space remaining, and elected maneuver for a landing attempt. The airplane entered a series of slide slips which the pilot was able to correct from; however, on final approach, the airplane entered a slide slip to the left. The pilot was unable to recover and the airplane impacted trees. The airplane had not flown previous to the accident. Winds reported at airport 8 nautical miles to the southwest, about the time of the accident, were calm.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:20 EDT
Nearest AirportHorse Feathers Airport (2nm NE)
Runway4
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftVirginia Aviation Wright Model B
Tail NumberN1911K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsWright · Vert Four · Reciprocating · 35
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 64 · Second Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.29 inHg
Observation Time22:40
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data