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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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NTSB Report

June 29, 2012 · Fields Mike HAWK SSC · N163F

Evansville, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 29, 2012
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Evansville, IN
Aircraft
Fields Mike HAWK SSC
Tail Number
N163F
Operator
Private Individual
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12LA407

The non-certificated pilot reported that during the initial climb after takeoff, he heard a loud “pop” and then the airplane began to shake. The pilot lost control of the airplane, which entered a spin and impacted terrain. The pilot reported a potential propeller defect; however, a postaccident examination did not detect any preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The source of the loud “pop” could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

The operation of an airplane by a non-certificated pilot, and the pilot's loss of control during takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and spin.

Full Narrative

On June 29, 2012, about 0800 central daylight time, a kit-built Hawk SSC light sport airplane, N163F, collided with terrain near Evansville, Indiana. The non-certificated pilot was seriously injured. Substantial damage was sustained to the airplane's wings and fuselage. The airplane was registered to and operated by private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a flight plan. The local flight was originating from the Skylane Airport (K3EV), Evansville, Indiana, at the time of the accident. According to a statement provided by the pilot, on initial takeoff, approximately 250 feet above ground level, he heard a loud “pop" from the back of the airplane and the airplane began to vibrate violently. The airplane shook violently before it began to spiral to the ground. The pilot later reported that his flight experience was consistent with a failure of his Warp Drive propeller. The airplane had been partially disassembled before the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was notified of the accident. An examination of the airframe by a responding FAA inspector had found the propeller secured in the propeller hub. No anomalies were detected with the airframe, engine, or propeller.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:00 CDT
Nearest AirportSkylane Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftFields Mike HAWK SSC
Tail NumberN163F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPrivate Individual
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 503 DCDI · Reciprocating · 52
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 66 · None · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.93 inHg
Observation Time12:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data