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NTSB Report

November 21, 2006 · Liberty Aerospace XL-2 · N508XL

Melbourne, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 21, 2006
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Melbourne, FL
Aircraft
Liberty Aerospace XL-2
Tail Number
N508XL
Operator
Liberty Aerospace
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA07CA020

The certified flight instructor (CFI) stated the pilot was on a familiarization training flight, due to an anticipated purchase of the airplane. They reviewed stalls, flight configuration changes, and emergency procedures before practicing landings. The CFI demonstrated the first landing and elected to have the pilot perform the second landing. The CFI called for a go around due to the unstable approach and high flare. During the second attempt to land by the pilot, the flare was too high, about 10 feet above the ground. The pilot did not respond to the instructions for corrective action and go around. At that point, the CFI called for the controls and initiated full engine power for the go around as the airplane was being blown and pulled to the left side of the runway in a nose high, slow airspeed, and unstable condition; the crosswind was from the right pushing the airplane toward the left. The airplane was about 1/3 down the runway when it departed the runway. The CFI's attempts to gain control of the airplane were unsuccessful due to the pilot not relinquishing the flight controls. The airplane came to a stop after impacting a small tree and brushes in the area adjacent to the runway. The CFI stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident. Witnesses stated that they observed the accident airplane attempting an approach to the runway flying in an erratic manner. The airplane discontinued the approach and flew the pattern for another approach to the runway. The approach was again erratic. The airplane stalled and fell to the runway on its left wing. The airplane appeared pushed off the runway by the winds. The airplane came to rest in a grassy area off the left side of the runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's (Dual Student) failure to relinquish control of the airplane when instructed by the certified flight instructor resulting in airspeed not being maintained and an inadvertent stall.

Full Narrative

On November 21, 2006, about 1140 eastern standard time, an experimental Liberty, XL-2, N508XL, registered to and operated by Liberty Aerospace, Inc., impacted the runway during landing at the Melbourne International Airport, Melbourne, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight. The commercial-rated pilot/certified flight instructor (CFI) and the private pilot-rated dual student reported no injuries, and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight originated from the same airport, earlier that day, about 1050. The CFI stated the pilot was on a familiarization training flight, due to an anticipated purchase of the airplane. They reviewed stalls, flight configuration changes, and emergency procedures before practicing landings. The CFI demonstrated the first landing and elected to have the pilot perform the second landing. The CFI called for a go around due to the unstable approach and high flare. During the second attempt to land by the pilot, the flared was too high, about 10 feet above the ground. The pilot did not respond to the instructions for corrective action and go around. At that point, the CFI called for the controls and initiated full engine power for the go around as the airplane was being blown and pulled to the left side of the runway in a nose high, slow airspeed, and unstable condition; the crosswind was from the right pushing the airplane toward the left. The airplane was about 1/3 down the runway when it departed the runway. The CFI's attempts to gain control of the airplane were unsuccessful due to the pilot was still physically locked on the controls. The airplane came to a stop after impacting a small tree and brushes in the area adjacent to the runway. The CFI stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident. Witnesses state that they observed the accident airplane attempting an approach to the runway flying in an erratic matter. The airplane discontinued the approach and flew the pattern for another approach to the runway. The approach was again erratic. The airplane stalled and fell to the runway on its left wing. The airplane appeared pushed off the runway by the winds. The airplane came to rest in a grassy area off the left side of the runway.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:40 EST
Nearest AirportMelbourne (0nm)
Runway27R
Runway Length6000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftLiberty Aerospace XL-2
Tail NumberN508XL
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLiberty Aerospace
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsTeledyne Continental · IOF-240-B · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 26 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 57 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 15 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 41 C
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time11:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data