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April 24, 2009 · Tecnam P2002 Sierra 200 · N122LS

Lake Wales, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 24, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Lake Wales, FL
Aircraft
Tecnam P2002 Sierra 200
Tail Number
N122LS
Operator
Plg Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA09CA262

The pilot departed on Runway 18 in a special light sport airplane with his grandson onboard. The turf runway was 2,313 feet long by 50 feet wide, and sloped down toward the middle, with sandy, soft soil. The recorded wind at an airport located 9 miles west of the accident airport, about the time of the accident, was from 150 degrees at 4 knots. The airplane weighed about 1,250 pounds at the time of departure, less than the maximum gross weight of 1,320 pounds. A witness stated that the pilot attempted to rotate and climb, but did not lower the airplane’s pitch attitude to gain airspeed in ground effect. The airplane contacted the ground once, about 1,600 feet, and again about 2,500 feet from the point of initial takeoff. According to the witness, the pilot continued his takeoff roll and wallowed in ground effect. The right wing of the airplane impacted a tree approximately 15 feet above ground level and the airplane came to rest inverted. A postcrash fire subsequently consumed the airplane. The pilot also reported that the engine was operating properly and that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions. When asked how this accident could have been prevented, the pilot stated that he should have aborted the takeoff when he initially touched down on the soft soil.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control and failure to maintain clearance from trees during initial climb.

Full Narrative

The pilot departed on runway 18 in a special light sport airplane, with his grandson onboard. The turf runway was 2,313-feet-long by 50-feet- wide, and sloped down toward the middle, with sandy, soft soil. The recorded wind at an airport located 9 miles west of the accident airport, about the time of the accident, was from 150 degrees at 4 knots. The airplane weighed about 1,250 pounds at the time of departure; less than the maximum gross weight of 1,320 pounds. A witness stated that the pilot attempted to rotate and climb, but did not lower the airplane’s pitch attitude to gain airspeed in ground effect. The airplane contacted the ground once, about 1,600 feet, and again about 2,500 feet from the point of initial takeoff. According to the witness, the pilot continued his takeoff roll and wallowed in ground effect. The right wing of the airplane impacted a tree, approximately 15 feet above ground level and the airplane came to rest inverted. A postcrash fire subsequently consumed the airplane. The pilot also reported that the engine was operating properly and that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions. When asked how this accident could have been prevented, the pilot stated that he should have aborted the takeoff when he initially touched down on the soft soil.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:05 EDT
Nearest AirportChalet Suzanne (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length2313 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftTecnam P2002 Sierra 200
Tail NumberN122LS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPlg Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 912ULS · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 71 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 4 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.28 inHg
Observation Time17:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data