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NTSB Report

August 7, 2008 · Lyons Navajo HKS · N1762C

Waterville, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 7, 2008
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Waterville, WA
Aircraft
Lyons Navajo HKS
Tail Number
N1762C
Operator
John Winkenwader
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA08CA172

The sport pilot flight instructor reported that while maneuvering during a local instructional flight, he noticed dust forming in a circular pattern in the air near their position. The student pilot, who was flying the airplane, initiated a climbing 180-degree turn towards their point of departure. While approaching a ridge line about 800 feet above ground level, the instructor noted the turbulence was increasing, and when the airplane started to descend, he took the controls. The instructor stated that despite using full throttle, the airplane continued to descend rapidly while "getting forced down by a microburst," prompting him to initiate a forced landing in an open field. The instructor added that due to the low altitude, he was unable to align the airplane with the rows of dirt. During the approach to landing, the airplane "caught some lift" and subsequently entered a "strong down draft" and impacted the ground. Examination of the airplane by the instructor revealed that both wings and fuselage framing were structurally damaged. The instructor stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the engine or flight control system that would have prevented normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering. Contributing to the accident was a microburst condition.

Full Narrative

The sport pilot flight instructor reported that while maneuvering during a local instructional flight, he noticed dust forming in a circular pattern within the air near their position. The student pilot, who was flying the airplane, initiated a climbing 180-degree turn towards their point of departure. While approaching a ridge line about 800 feet above ground level, the instructor noted the turbulence was increasing while the airplane started to descend and took control of the airplane. The instructor stated that despite using full throttle, the airplane continued to descend rapidly while "getting forced down by a microburst," prompting him to initiate a forced landing into an open field. The instructor added that due to the low altitude, he was unable to align the airplane with the rows of dirt. During the approach to landing, the airplane "caught some lift" and subsequently entered a "strong down draft" and impacted the ground. Examination of the airplane by the instructor revealed that both wings and fuselage framing were structurally damaged. The instructor stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the engine or flight control system that would have prevented normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:10 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLyons Navajo HKS
Tail NumberN1762C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohn Winkenwader
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsHks Aviation · 700E · Reciprocating · 60
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 47 · Sprt · Minor
Crew 2Sprt · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 3800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time18:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data