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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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October 2, 2016 · Airborne Windsports Pty EDGE XT 912 L NO Series · N53AW

Fort Valley, GA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 2, 2016
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Fort Valley, GA
Aircraft
Airborne Windsports Pty EDGE XT 912 L NO Series (2008)
Tail Number
N53AW
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA004

According to the flight instructor in the weight-shift-control aircraft, he made two low approaches and two go-arounds to runway 36. He reported that, during the third approach, he crossed the runway threshold and "rounded up" and that the left wing "flew up, and the right wing dropped precipitously, as if it stalled." The aircraft swiftly yawed to the right and descended rapidly, and the pilot stated that he responded with a full control deflection. He added that the deflection leveled the aircraft just before impact with the turf and that the aircraft heading was about 35° to 50° right of the runway heading. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to both wings and the airframe. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Safety Inspector examined the aircraft wreckage and was unable to locate the right overcenter washout strut spilt ring. The split ring connects the washout strut and the leading edge of the right wing spar, which allows the pilot to manipulate the aircraft's directional control. In postimpact photographs of the left side overcenter washout strut split ring, it appears to be partially attached, and the right side split ring was not located in the wreckage.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the aircraft’s right overcenter washout strut split ring, which resulted in the pilot’s inability to maintain lateral control of the aircraft and subsequent ground impact.

Full Narrative

According to the flight instructor in the weight shift control aircraft, he made two low approaches and two go-arounds to runway 36. He reported that during the third approach, he crossed the runway threshold, "rounded up" and the left wing "flew up, and the right wing dropped precipitously, as if it stalled." The aircraft swiftly yawed to the right, descended rapidly and the pilot avowed that he responded with a full control deflection. He added that the deflection leveled the aircraft just before impact with the turf, and the aircraft heading was about 35° to 50??° right of the runway heading. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to both wings and the airframe. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aviation Safety Inspector examined the aircraft wreckage and was unable to locate the right side over-center washout strut spilt ring. The split ring connects the washout strut and the leading edge of the right wing spar, which allows the pilot to manipulate the aircraft's directional control. Post-impact photographs of the left side over-center washout strut split ring appears to be partially attached, and the right side split ring was not located in the wreckage.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 EDT
Nearest AirportCameron Field (0nm NNW)
Runway36
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAirborne Windsports Pty EDGE XT 912 L NO Series
Tail NumberN53AW
Aircraft CategoryWsft
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 912UL · Reciprocating · 80
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 74 · Sprt · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48
Altimeter29.97 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data