AEROTRIKE SAFARI
Bridgeton, NJ — September 24, 2017
Event Information
| Date | September 24, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA553 |
| Event ID | 20170924X10414 |
| Location | Bridgeton, NJ |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 39.47000, -75.27194 |
| Airport | WOODCREST FARMS AIRSTRIP |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | AEROTRIKE |
| Model | SAFARI |
| Category | WSFT |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing while conducting an off-airport precautionary landing after a bird strike.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the weight-shift-control aircraft reported that, during the base leg turn, a flock of small birds entered the flight path and he banked to avoid them. He added that, a moment later a larger bird struck the support cable on the right wing. No control issues were evident, however, he decided to land in a cleared field to check the structure for damage. Subsequently, during the landing in the field, the nosewheel hit the ground hard, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the weight-shift-control aircraft that would have precluded normal operation.
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.