MAXAIR DRIFTER DRIFTER II
Lafayette, TN — September 1, 2013
Event Information
| Date | September 1, 2013 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA13CA400 |
| Event ID | 20130906X04335 |
| Location | Lafayette, TN |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 36.52000, -86.05805 |
| Airport | LAFAYETTE MUNI |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | MAXAIR DRIFTER |
| Model | DRIFTER II |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 2 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 2 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the initial climb after takeoff in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in a hard off-airport landing.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the amateur-built, amphibious, light-sport airplane reported that the airplane accelerated and lifted off from the asphalt runway without incident; however, during the initial climb it encountered "severe turbulence." The pilot was not able to control the airplane and was attempting to return to the airport when it landed hard in a soy bean field, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation; nor did the pilot report any. The pilot reported that winds at the time of the accident were light and variable, with gusts up to 8 knots.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.