Loss of Control in Flight · NTSB CEN10LA049

LOCKWOOD AIRCRAFT CORP AIR-CAM — Mount Victory, OH

1 fatal High-time pilot
DateNovember 7, 2009
LocationMount Victory, OH
AircraftLOCKWOOD AIRCRAFT CORP AIR-CAM (amateur-built)
Purpose of flightPersonal
ConditionsDusk · Visual Meteorological Cond
Phase / occurrenceUncontrolled descent Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Pilot age56
Pilot total time1,300 hrs · Experienced
Time in typeUnknown
Fatalities1

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's unfamiliarity with the airplane subsequent to float installation.

NTSB findings

  • Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Airspeed-Not attained/maintained - C
  • Personnel issues-Experience/knowledge-Experience/qualifications-Total experience w/ equipment-Pilot - F
  • Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C

What happened

The pilot was on the return flight after having a set of amphibious floats installed on his experimental amateur-built airplane. The airplane impacted the ground at a location consistent with the base leg of the airport traffic pattern. Impact damage, including crushing of the forward fuselage and right wing, and twisting of the tail, was consistent with a nose-down, right-wing-low impact. Damage to the right propeller indicated that the right engine was running at the time of the impact. The left engine and its propeller appeared to be intact. Examination of the left engine failed to reveal any defects that would have prevented normal operation. The damage to the left wing was not as severe as the damage to the right side of the airplane. No anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure associated with the airframe or engines were observed.

An editorial "what led to it / how to avoid it" analysis for this accident is generated separately and will appear here.

View the official NTSB docket →