RAINBOW AIRCRAFT PTY LTD COBRA
Camden, SC — March 9, 2013
Event Information
| Date | March 9, 2013 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA13CA161 |
| Event ID | 20130311X40317 |
| Location | Camden, SC |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.28361, -80.56472 |
| Airport | Woodward Field |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | RAINBOW AIRCRAFT PTY LTD |
| Model | COBRA |
| Category | WSFT |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during the approach to land.
Full Narrative
The pilot/owner of the experimental weight-shift airplane said he confirmed that the winds were calm prior to takeoff for a flight around the traffic pattern. He said the airplane encountered updrafts and downdrafts on the downwind and base legs of the traffic pattern, and he could not control the altitude of the airplane with either control or power inputs. While on final approach, about 400 feet above ground level, the pilot "saw the airplane nose going down at a 45-degree angle and then the hit." The wind speed reported at the airport at the time of the accident was 3 knots. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with his airplane 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.