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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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October 21, 2015 · Rans S-7 S · N272X

Gerlach, NV

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 21, 2015
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Gerlach, NV
Aircraft
Rans S-7 S (2015)
Tail Number
N272X
Operator
Jason Sneed - Monika Bonczkova
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA026

According to the pilot, while flying in a high desert valley, he intended to perform a low pass over a remote airstrip to assess its suitability for landing in the future. The pilot reported that prior to the pass, he slowed the airplane and added full flaps. He said that in this airplane configuration, following a left turn, the "flight controls in pitch became loose as if the tail stalled," and right afterward "the nose pitched down." He reported that he added power, and that his sensation was "that the plane was flying but being pushed to the ground with no feedback from the elevator." The pilot reported that as he approached the ground, he applied back pressure but the airplane impacted the ground hard. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies prior, to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation. It is likely that the airplane's configuration in conjunction with the reduced airspeed induced a tail stall pitching the nose down, due to the absence of tail-down force.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain pitch and airspeed control, in conjunction with full flaps, while maneuvering at a low altitude, resulting in a tail-stall and subsequent impact with the ground.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, while flying in a high desert valley, he intended to perform a low pass over a remote airstrip to assess its suitability for landing in the future. The pilot reported that prior to the pass, he slowed the airplane and added full flaps. He said that in this airplane configuration, following a left turn, the "flight controls in pitch became loose as if the tail stalled," and right afterward "the nose pitched down." He reported that he added power, and that his sensation was "that the plane was flying but being pushed to the ground with no feedback from the elevator." The pilot reported that as he approached the ground, he applied back pressure but the airplane impacted the ground hard. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies prior, to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:15 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRans S-7 S
Tail NumberN272X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJason Sneed - Monika Bonczkova
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 914 · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 43 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 34 C
Altimeter30.22 inHg
Observation Time18:10
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data