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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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November 28, 2008 · Extra Flugzeugbau Gmbh EA 300/L · N505EX

Tampa, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 28, 2008
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Tampa, FL
Aircraft
Extra Flugzeugbau Gmbh EA 300/L
Tail Number
N505EX
Operator
Tampa Aircraft Holding
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA09CA073

The pilot stated that while on approach to final, and as he prepared to touchdown, he saw a sailboat that did not have its sail raised. Consequently, he did not see the sail mast. The right wing tip struck the mast and shattered. The pilot added power in an attempt to level out the airplane, but it collided with the ground. The pilot said that he did not observe any abnormalities with the airplane or the engine during his approach. Examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the airplane's right wing struck the sailboat approximately 8 feet below the top of the sail mast. Witnesses to the accident reported that the sailboat was operating approximately 50 yards from the seawall when the accident occurred. They said that the airplane attempted to curve around the sailboat but as the right wing dipped it hit the mast.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in a collision with an object.

Full Narrative

The pilot of an Extra Flugzeugbau GMBH EA 300/L stated that while on approach to final, and as he prepared to touchdown, he saw a sailboat, which did not have its sail raised. Consequently, he did not see the sail mast. The right wing tip struck the mast and shattered. The pilot added power in an attempt to level out the airplane, but it collided with the ground. The pilot said that he did not observe any abnormalities with the airplane or the engine during his approach. Examination by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the airplane’s right wing struck the sailboat approximately 8 feet below the top of the sail mast. Witnesses to the accident reported that the sailboat was operating approximately 50 yards from the seawall when the accident occurred. They said that the airplane attempted to curve around the sailboat but as the right wing dipped it hit the mast.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 EST
Nearest AirportPeter O Knight (0nm)
Runway21
Runway Length3405 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftExtra Flugzeugbau Gmbh EA 300/L
Tail NumberN505EX
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTampa Aircraft Holding
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · AEIO-540-L1B5 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210°
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 45 C
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time16:20
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data