Low-Altitude Maneuvering · NTSB ERA19LA221

Team Mini-Max Hi-Max — Monroe, GA

1 fatal High-time pilotLow altitude
DateJuly 9, 2019
LocationMonroe, GA
AircraftTeam Mini-Max Hi-Max (amateur-built)
Purpose of flightFlight Test
ConditionsDay · Visual Meteorological Cond
Phase / occurrenceManeuvering Unknown or undetermined
Pilot age38
Pilot total time3,000 hrs · High time
Time in type1 hrs
Fatalities1

Probable cause

A collision with terrain for undetermined reasons.

NTSB findings

  • Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined

What happened

The owner of the unregistered accident airplane (who was not a certificate pilot) purchased it several months before the accident and arranged for the accident pilot to inspect and test fly it, which he did successfully for about 10 minutes. On the day before the accident, the accident noticed that the owner was having difficulty starting the airplane’s engine and offered to have his mechanic troubleshoot the issue. The pilot and mechanic subsequently worked on the airplane, after which the pilot departed in the airplane on the accident flight. Witnesses generally described that the airplane departed from the runway before making a left turn and impacting the ground near the airport perimeter fence. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Given this information, the reason that the airplane impacted the ground while maneuvering after takeoff could not be determined.

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 →