GLOBE GC-1B — Afton, MN

What happened

The two pilots departed on a personal cross-country flight in the airplane. ADS-B data showed that about 5 minutes after takeoff, the airplane climbed to about 2,550 ft msl on a south heading before it slowed to about 52 kts ground speed. The data then showed a rapid descent that exceeded 5,000 ft per minute before the data ended.

The airplane was equipped with dual flight controls; however, it could not be determined which pilot was manipulating the controls at the time of the accident. Postaccident examination of the airframe revealed that the right control stick was disconnected from the stick base, and no corresponding bolt or nut was located within the wreckage. If the right control stick became disconnected during the flight, it would have prevented the right-seat pilot from controlling the airplane; however, the left-seat pilot would have retained full flight control capability.

Witnesses located adjacent to the accident site reported hearing an airplane engine operating at varying power settings, followed by the sound of impact. However, aside from the disconnected control stick, postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation, and propeller signatures indicated that the engine was operating at the time of impact. Due to extensive fire and impact damage, not all airplane systems could be examined or tested in detail.

Wreckage and impact signatures were consistent with a flat-spin impact with terrain. No evidence suggested that pilot impairment or incapacitation contributed to the accident. Based on the available evidence, the investigation could not determine the reason the pilot lost control of the airplane.

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