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September 30, 2015 · Capella Aircraft FW2TDXLS · N903AB

Bartlesville, OK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 30, 2015
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Bartlesville, OK
Aircraft
Capella Aircraft FW2TDXLS (2008)
Tail Number
N903AB
Operator
Joseph Sigler
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN15LA437

The private pilot was conducting a personal flight in the experimental airplane. He reported that, during climbout, the right wing kept "coming up" and that the airplane was banking left. The pilot attempted to level the airplane but was unsuccessful. The airplane turned 360 degrees, and the airplane's nose started to drop. The pilot reduced the engine power and continued trying to level the airplane. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground on the left wing and landing gear and came to rest on its nose. An examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have prevented normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-(general)-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

On September 30, 2015, about 0935 central daylight time, a Capella Aircraft Corporation (Blankenship) FW2TDXLS experimental airplane, N903AB, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Bartlesville Municipal Airport (KBVU), Bartlesville, Oklahoma. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by private individuals 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 at the time of the accident. According to the pilot's written statement, during the climb out the right wing kept "coming up," and the airplane wanted to bank to the left. The pilot attempted to level the wings but was unsuccessful. The airplane turned 360 degrees and the nose of the airplane started to drop. The pilot reduced the engine power and continued to try and level the airplane. The airplane impacted the ground on the left wing and landing gear and came to rest on its nose. According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector who traveled to the scene, the pilot was conducting a "low pass" so that the owner could record a video of the airplane flying. The right stabilizer, left wing, and fuselage were substantially damaged. Examination of the airplane established that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have prevented normal operation during the accident flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:35 CDT
Nearest AirportBartlesville Municipal Airport (1nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCapella Aircraft FW2TDXLS
Tail NumberN903AB
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJoseph Sigler
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsJabiru · 2200 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 81 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 1000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 59
Altimeter30.14 inHg
Observation Time13:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data