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NTSB Report
March 9, 2013 · Rainbow Aircraft Pty Cobra · N78DK
Camden, SC
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 9, 2013
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Camden, SC
Aircraft
Rainbow Aircraft Pty Cobra
Tail Number
N78DK
Operator
Donald J Sills
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA13CA161
The pilot/owner of the experimental weight-shift airplane said he confirmed that the wind was calm before taking off for a flight around the traffic pattern. He said the airplane encountered updrafts and downdrafts on the downwind and base legs of the traffic pattern, and he could not control the altitude of the airplane with either control or power inputs. The pilot said that when he was on final approach, about 400 feet above ground level, he "saw the airplane nose going down at a 45-degree angle and then the hit." The airplane’s fuselage was substantially damaged. The wind speed reported at the airport at the time of the accident was 3 knots. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with his airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Descent/approach/glide path-Not attained/maintained - C
Full Narrative
The pilot/owner of the experimental weight-shift airplane said he confirmed that the winds were calm prior to takeoff for a flight around the traffic pattern. He said the airplane encountered updrafts and downdrafts on the downwind and base legs of the traffic pattern, and he could not control the altitude of the airplane with either control or power inputs. While on final approach, about 400 feet above ground level, the pilot "saw the airplane nose going down at a 45-degree angle and then the hit." The wind speed reported at the airport at the time of the accident was 3 knots. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with his airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:45 EST
Nearest AirportWoodward Field (1nm)
Runway06
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRainbow Aircraft Pty Cobra
Tail NumberN78DK
Aircraft CategoryWsft
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDonald J Sills
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 503 DCDI · Reciprocating · 52
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 61 · Sprt · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 3 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 30 C
Altimeter30.25 inHg
Observation Time20:55
Weather SourceWFAC