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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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November 11, 2020 · Trick Trikes STSS · N5152E

Holden, MO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 11, 2020
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Holden, MO
Aircraft
Trick Trikes STSS (2009)
Tail Number
N5152E
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CEN21LA053

A witness reported that after takeoff, the aircraft “turned sharply” and then “dipped low.” The aircraft impacted a tree line and came to rest in a harvested cornfield. A postimpact fire consumed the fabric sail (wing). Multiple structural components were separated consistent with impact forces. The engine was separated from the airframe and located with the wreckage. A postaccident examination did not identify any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction; however, the extent of the impact damage and the postimpact fire limited the scope of the examination. The pilot did not hold a pilot certificate as required by regulations and the aircraft operating limitations. In addition, although the noncertificated pilot had experience flying powered parachutes and trikes, he did not have any experience in the make/model trike involved in the accident. The circumstances of the accident are consistent with the noncertificated pilot’s loss of aircraft control during takeoff due to a lack of experience in the aircraft make/model.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Pitch control-Not attained/maintained

Full Narrative

On November 11, 2020, about 1650 central standard time, a light sport Trick Trikes STSS weight-shift control aircraft, N5152E, was involved in an accident near Holden, Missouri. The noncertificated pilot was fatally injured. The aircraft was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Witnesses reported the pilot took off from a field and entered a left turn. One witness noted the aircraft “turned sharply” and then “dipped low” before it crashed. The witness added that the “wing appeared to be malfunctioning.” A second witness commented the aircraft impacted a tree line. The aircraft came to rest in a harvested cornfield and a postimpact fire consumed the fabric sail (wing). Multiple structural components were separated and located with the wreckage at the accident site. They exhibited minor bending consistent with impact forces, and discoloration consistent with the postimpact fire. The engine had separated from the airframe and was located with the wreckage. A postaccident examination did not identify any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction; however, the extent of the impact damage and the postimpact fire limited the scope of the examination. The previous owner reported the aircraft had been inactive before he sold it to the pilot about two months before the accident. The pilot informed the previous owner that he had experience with powered parachutes and trikes. At the time of the sale, the previous owner informed the pilot that the reduction gearbox needed to be replaced and an annual inspection was required. After taking possession of the aircraft, the pilot informed the previous owner that a new gearbox had been installed. The pilot’s son-in-law reported that although the pilot had experience flying powered parachutes and trikes, the accident trike was somewhat larger than those he had flown previously. The pilot performed his own maintenance on the aircraft and had recently replaced the gearbox. Flight logs were normally kept with the aircraft and not located after the accident. A search of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airman certification database revealed that the accident pilot did not hold a pilot certificate or airman medical certificate. Additionally, there was no record that the pilot applied for Basic Med certification. FAA regulations and the aircraft operating limitations required the pilot to hold a pilot certificate. The regulations permitted the use of a valid driver’s license in lieu of a medical certificate.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:50 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftTrick Trikes STSS
Tail NumberN5152E
Aircraft CategoryWsft
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsSuzuki · Reciprocating
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · None · Fatal

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point10 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.08 inHg
Observation Time16:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data