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July 30, 2011 · Mcfarland Wm H RANS S6S · N434WM

Huntington, WV

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 30, 2011
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Huntington, WV
Aircraft
Mcfarland Wm H RANS S6S
Tail Number
N434WM
Operator
Paul E Adams
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA11CA432

During the initial portion of a training flight in the tailwheel-equipped amateur-built airplane, the flight instructor demonstrated two takeoffs and landings to the pilot. The pilot then assumed the controls and began the takeoff roll. The flight instructor directed the pilot to rotate the tail of the airplane into the air by increasing nose down pitch. According to the flight instructor, the pilot did not add enough forward pressure and the airplane seemed like it was still in a nose high attitude. The flight instructor then assisted the pilot by pushing forward on the control stick to what looked like a level attitude. The propeller struck the ground and the airplane nosed over, coming to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the tail and right wing. Both pilots noted no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Neither pilot had any previous experience performing takeoffs or landings in the accident airplane make and model.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of both pilots to maintain proper pitch control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was both pilots' inexperience in the airplane make/model.

Full Narrative

During the initial portion of a training flight in the tailwheel-equipped amateur-built airplane, the flight instructor demonstrated two takeoffs and landings to the pilot. The pilot then assumed the controls and began the takeoff roll. The flight instructor directed the pilot to rotate the tail of the airplane into the air by increasing nose down pitch; according to the flight instructor, the pilot did not add enough forward pressure and the airplane seemed like it was still in a nose high attitude. The flight instructor then assisted the pilot by pushing forward on the control stick to what looked like a level attitude. The propeller struck the ground and the airplane nosed over, coming to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the tail and right wing. Both pilots noted no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Neither pilot had any previous experience performing takeoffs or landings in the accident airplane make and model.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 EDT
Nearest AirportRobert Newlon Field Airport (0nm)
Runway20
Runway Length2300 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMcfarland Wm H RANS S6S
Tail NumberN434WM
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPaul E Adams
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 912S · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 61 · Second Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 73 · Sprt · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time19:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data