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July 17, 2016 · Hirn Associates Zodiac CH601XL · N650WP

Hedgesville, WV

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 17, 2016
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Hedgesville, WV
Aircraft
Hirn Associates Zodiac CH601XL (2011)
Tail Number
N650WP
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA16CA259

The pilot of the experimental, amateur-built airplane reported that, during the takeoff roll while about 35 knots, he realized that he forgot to turn on the airplane's anticollision lights. He reached over to turn them on, and his forearm brushed across the top of the control stick and activated the electric trim to a full, nose-up position. The airplane suddenly climbed in a steep, nose-high attitude to about 60 ft before it started to roll left toward trees. As the airplane rolled left, the pilot attempted to compensate with right rudder and aileron input, but it had little effect on directional control, so he chose to turn back to the left and try to climb over the trees. The airplane impacted the top of the tree canopy then descended through the trees and impacted the ground. The wings and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s inadvertent activation of the elevator trim, which resulted in a premature takeoff and subsequent loss of airplane control and collision with trees.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the experimental amateur-built airplane reported that during the takeoff roll at approximately 35 knots, he realized that he forgot to turn on the airplane's anti-collision lights. He reached over to turn them on and his forearm brushed across the top of the control stick and activated the electric trim to a full nose up position. The airplane suddenly climbed off the runway in a steep nose high attitude to an altitude of about 60 ft before it started a roll to the left towards trees. As the airplane rolled left, the pilot attempted to compensate with right rudder and aileron input, but it had little effect on directional control, so he elected to turn back to the left and try to climb over the trees. The airplane impacted the top of the tree canopy then descended through the trees and impacted the ground. The wings and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 EDT
Nearest AirportGreen Landings (0nm E)
Runway3
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHirn Associates Zodiac CH601XL
Tail NumberN650WP
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsJabiru · 3300A · Reciprocating · 120
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 80 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter30.17 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data