FLIGHTSTAR SPORTPLANES FLIGHTSTAR II
York, SC — May 25, 2013
Event Information
| Date | May 25, 2013 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA13CA255 |
| Event ID | 20130527X93450 |
| Location | York, SC |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.02583, -81.25166 |
| Airport | York Airport |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | FLIGHTSTAR SPORTPLANES |
| Model | FLIGHTSTAR 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 while landing in gusty wind conditions.
Full Narrative
The private pilot was attempting to land an experimental airplane on a grass runway. As the airplane descended to treetop level on final approach, it encountered a sudden decrease in airspeed and a rapid rate of descent. After arresting the descent the airplane caught a gust of wind and the left wing rose almost vertically and pushed the airplane to the right. The pilot was able to correct the right roll; however, the airplane impacted a fence and continued about 10 feet before colliding with the side of a hangar resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would preclude normal operations, and stated that he should have attempted to land with a faster airspeed due to the gusty wind conditions.
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.