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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

November 6, 2003 · Richard Riley Velocity · N57V

Fargo, OK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 6, 2003
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Fargo, OK
Aircraft
Richard Riley Velocity
Tail Number
N57V
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW04LA019

The 1,500-hour commercial pilot was practicing slow flight operation at 400-500 feet above the ground, when he lost control of the aircraft and was unable to recover. The pilot stated to an FAA inspector that he attempted both power on and power off recovery techniques, but could not overcome the nose high attitude. Unsuccessful attempts were made by the NTSB investigator to obtain a complete Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) from the pilot.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft while practicing slow flight. A contributing factor was the low altitude selected by the pilot.

Full Narrative

On November 6, 2003, approximately 1745 central standard time, a Richard Riley Velocity experimental homebuilt airplane, N57V, was destroyed when it impacted the ground following a loss of control while maneuvering near Fargo, Oklahoma. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, received serious injuries. The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, was operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the personal flight, which originated from the West Woodward Airport (WWR), near Woodward, Oklahoma, about 1730. The 1,500-hour pilot reported to the FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, that he was flying at 6,500 msl when the nose of the aircraft pitched-up while practicing slow flight operation. The pilot stated that he attempted both power-on and power-off recovery techniques, but could not overcome the nose high attitude. The pilot further stated that the vertical speed indicator (VSI) showed a constant 2,000-feet per minute rate of descent until the airplane impacted trees. The airplane came to rest in the inverted position. There was no fire. A witness observed the plane traveling southbound at approximately 400-500 feet agl and stated that the airplane began to "cut out." The pilot initiated a turn to the north. Before the turn was completed, the aircraft spun and impacted a group of trees. The witness then proceeded to the accident scene and transported the pilot to a local hospital. Weather at WWR, approximately 10 nautical miles from the accident site, at 1751, reported clear skies, wind 360 at 4 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, temperature -3 degrees Celsius, dewpoint -5 degrees Celsius, barometric pressure of 30.32 inches of Mercury. Unsuccessful attempts were made by the NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC) to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) from the pilot.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:45 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRichard Riley Velocity
Tail NumberN57V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 45 · Second Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point27 C / 23 C
Altimeter30.31 inHg
Observation Time23:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data