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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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August 9, 2008 · North Wing Apache CLA · N3880A

Boynton Beach, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 9, 2008
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Boynton Beach, FL
Aircraft
North Wing Apache CLA
Tail Number
N3880A
Operator
Tandield Theodore E Jr
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA08LA162

The non-qualified pilot initiated a takeoff to the west in a weight-shift aircraft. Winds prevailed from the south at the time. After becoming airborne he was unable to maintain control of the aircraft which descended, collided with trees, and then impacted the edge of a canal. No evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction with the aircraft was noted.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-(general)-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

On August 9, 2008, about 0830 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Apache Classic weight shift aircraft, N3880A, registered to a private individual, experienced an in-flight loss of control and impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from Willis Gliderport (FA44), Boynton Beach, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal, local flight from FA44. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the commercial certificated pilot sustained serious injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that he has no independent recollection of the accident. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector-in-charge (IIC), who went to the accident site, and spoke with several witnesses, reported that at the time of departure, the wind was from the south. The pilot departed using the west runway and after becoming airborne, the aircraft rolled to the right. The aircraft circled to the south of the airstrip, and impacted trees while descending. The airplane then impacted the edge of a canal located south of runway 9/27. The airplane came to rest on the airstrip property. Examination of the weight shift aircraft by the FAA-IIC revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. The FAA-IIC reported that the pilot was required to obtain 2 weeks of training specific to the make and model aircraft to be flown, but he admitted that he did not receive any instruction.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:30 EDT
Nearest AirportWillis Gliderport (0nm)
Runway27
Runway Length3600 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftNorth Wing Apache CLA
Tail NumberN3880A
Aircraft CategoryWsft
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTandield Theodore E Jr
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsHirth · 2706 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 66 · Second Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.90 inHg
Observation Time12:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data