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October 14, 2003 · Wright Redux Association 1903 Wright Flyer · N203WF

Bolingbrook, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 14, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Bolingbrook, IL
Aircraft
Wright Redux Association 1903 Wright Flyer
Tail Number
N203WF
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI04LA010

The experimental exhibition replica of a 1903 Wright Flyer impacted terrain after it stalled about 30 feet above ground level after takeoff The pilot stated that upon reaching the end of the launch rail, he encountered a wind gust at the same time that he was pulling back on the stick, resulting in the airplane pitching upward to about 30 degrees. The wind gusts recorded 15 minutes prior to the accident indicated that they were gusting to 20 knots, and to 26 knots 5 minutes after the accident. The private pilot had a total flight time of 650 hours, of which 6 minutes were in the accident airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The inadequate planning/decision by the pilot to begin a flight in gusting wind conditions, the pilot's lack of experience in the airplane, and the stall encountered by the pilot during takeoff. The wind gusts were a contributing factor.

Full Narrative

On October 14, 2003, at 1600 central daylight time, an experimental exhibition Wright Redux Association 1903 Wright Flyer, N203WF, piloted by a private pilot, received substantial damage on impact with terrain after the airplane stalled during takeoff at an altitude of about 30 feet at the Clow International Airport (1C5), Bolingbrook, Illinois. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The private pilot was uninjured. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the pilot's written statement, the airplane, a replica of the Wright Flyer, departed from a 140 foot long rail in an attempt to demonstrate a flight at an altitude of 3-5 feet above ground level (AGL) for at least 100 feet. The pilot stated that upon reaching the end of the rail, he encountered a wind gust at the same time that he was pulling back on the stick resulting in the airplane pitching upward to about 30 degrees. He then reportedly pushed the stick forward to counteract the pitch attitude but was never able to regain pitch control. The airplane stalled about 30 feet AGL, descended backwards, banked/slipped right, and then regained a nose level attitude. The airplane impacted the ground with the right wing followed by the landing skid and the left wing. The airplane was a replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer and was powered by a Packer Engineering Wright engine, serial number 1, rated at 12 horsepower. The pilot, age 36, held a private pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating. He reported a total flight time of 650 hours, of which 6 minutes were in the accident airplane. He reported that the accumulated a total of 3 minutes in the last 90 days and 3 minutes in the last 30 days in the accident airplane. The Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) located at 1C5 recorded, at 1545: wind 320 degrees at 13 knots gusting 20 knots. At 1605, the ASOS recorded: wind 320 degrees at 15 knots gusting 26 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 CDT
Nearest AirportClow International Airport (0nm)
Runway32
Runway Length600 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWright Redux Association 1903 Wright Flyer
Tail NumberN203WF
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPacker Engineering · 1903 · Reciprocating · 12
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 13 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 7000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 52
Altimeter29.67 inHg
Observation Time20:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data