Unregistered Quicksilver MXL II

Crookston, MN — May 8, 2011

Event Information

DateMay 8, 2011
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberCEN11LA332
Event ID20110511X54618
LocationCrookston, MN
CountryUSA
Coordinates47.57917, -96.64500
AirportPrivate Airstrip
Highest InjurySERS

Aircraft

MakeUnregistered
ModelQuicksilver MXL II
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
None0
Total Injured1

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper airspeed while maneuvering to land, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin at a low altitude.

Full Narrative

On May 7, 2011, at 2045 central daylight time, an unregistered Quicksilver model MXL II light sport airplane, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain, near Crookston, Minnesota. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated by the commercial pilot, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was operated without a flight plan. The personal flight originated from the pilot's private airstrip near Crookston, Minnesota, at an unconfirmed time.

The pilot stated that after completing a low pass over his private airstrip he decided to land. He reduced engine power to idle and entered a right turn back toward the airstrip. The pilot stated that while in the turn he did not reduce pitch to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin at low altitude. The airplane subsequently collided with terrain in a nose down and right wing low attitude. The fuselage and both wings were substantially damaged during the accident. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

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.

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