SIBLEY GLASAIR
Midlothian, TX — May 24, 2014
Event Information
| Date | May 24, 2014 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| Location | Midlothian, TX |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 32.51278, -96.09333 |
| Airport | Eagle's Nest Estates Airport |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
| NTSB Number | CEN14LA259 |
| Event ID | 20140528X41726 |
Aircraft
| Make | SIBLEY |
| Model | GLASAIR |
| Registration # | N4VX |
| Operator | Pilot |
| Owner | Pilot |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | DEST |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control during the initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to obtain sufficient training and experience to operate the high-performance airplane.
Full Narrative
On May 24, 2014, at 1049 central daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Sibley Glasair, N4VX, impacted the runway during takeoff from Eagle's Nest Estates Airport, Midlothian, Texas, when the left wing struck the runway surface. The airplane was destroyed by post-crash fire. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that was not operating on a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident and was destined for Mid-Way Regional Airport, Midlothian, Texas.
The pilot stated that soon after the airplane lifted off there was an unexpected left wing drop. The airplane's flight path changed toward the left side of the runway. The pilot applied corrective control input to change the flight path but the control input was "marginally successful." A few seconds later, the airplane impacted the ground and came to rest on the airport ramp. Initially there was no fire, but fuel pouring from the header tank soon ignited.
Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector confirmed flight control continuity. The pilot stated to FAA Inspectors during a postaccident interview that he did not have enough time, training, or experience to be flying such a high performance aircraft.
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.