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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 21, 2004 · Sky Raider · UNREG

Rappahannock Ac, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 21, 2004
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Rappahannock Ac, VA
Aircraft
Sky Raider
Tail Number
UNREG
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC05LA020

The pilot was practicing taxiing the airplane at a private airstrip, when it inadvertently became airborne. The pilot then elected to practice some approaches to the 1,400 foot-long, turf runway. He had been flying for about 10 to 15 minutes, and was in a right turn, at an altitude of about 150 feet, when the airplane "stalled." The airplane pitched down and impacted the ground. The pilot purchased the airplane about 2 years prior to the accident. He had not accumulated any flight time. The pilot had practiced taxiing the airplane for about 20 hours and intended to received some flight instruction at a later date. Examination of the airplane did not reveal any pre-impact malfunctions.

NTSB Probable Cause

The uncertificated pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in a stall, and collision with terrain. A factor in this accident was the pilot's lack of total flight experience.

Full Narrative

On November 21, 2004, about 1530 eastern standard time, an unregistered amateur built Sky Raider airplane, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain, while maneuvering near a private airstrip in Rappahannock Academy, Virginia. The uncertificated pilot sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot reported that he had not accumulated any flight time. He purchased the airplane about 2 years prior to the accident, and had practiced taxiing the airplane for about 20 hours. He intended to receive some flight instruction at a later date. On the day of the accident, the pilot was practicing taxiing the airplane, when it inadvertently became airborne. The pilot then elected to practice some approaches to the 1,400 foot-long, turf runway. He had been flying for about 10 to 15 minutes, and was in a right turn at an altitude of about 150 feet, when the airplane "stalled." The airplane pitched down and impacted the ground. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any pre-impact malfunctions. Rotational damaged was noted on the propeller, and flight control continuity was verified to all primary control surfaces. Winds reported at an airport located about 11 miles northwest of the accident site, about the time of the accident were calm.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
RunwayN
Runway Length1400 ft
Runway Width90 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSky Raider
Tail NumberUNREG
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · Reciprocating · 41
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · None · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 54
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time20:40
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data