Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN09LA189

Hilda, TX, USA

Aircraft #1

N23GX

Remos G-3/600

Analysis

The flight instructor was demonstrating low-level operations when the left wing and the vertical stabilizer struck a cable suspended across the valley. The left wing stalled and the instructor pilot applied full power and right rudder, regaining control approximately 20 feet above the ground. He then continued to the destination for an uneventful landing. A postflight inspection showed superficial marks on the left wing and the leading edge of the vertical stabilizer. There were several structural tears and radial fractures in the aft end of the fuselage boom and the top and bottom seams of the smallest part of the fuselage boom were split for more than 18 inches.

Factual Information

On February 12, 2009, approximately 1130 central standard time (CST), a Remos G-3/600 special light sport airplane (S-LSA), N23GX, was substantially damaged when it struck a cable suspended across a valley near Hilda, Texas. The flight instructor and the private pilot, who were the only occupants, were not injured. The airplane was registered to Remos Aircraft, Inc. and operated by the pilot. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The flight departed at 1125 from the Mason County Airport (T92) Mason, Texas, on a flight in visual meteorological conditions to the Gillespie County Airport (T82) Fredericksburg, Texas. The flight instructor was demonstrating low level operations when the left wing and the vertical stabilizer struck a cable suspended across the valley. The left wing stalled and the instructor pilot applied full power and right rudder regaining control at approximately 20 feet above the ground. He then continued to their destination for an uneventful landing. A post flight inspection showed superficial marks on the left wing and the leading edge of the vertical stabilizer. There were several structural tears and radial fractures in the aft end of the fuselage boom. The top and bottom seams of the smallest part of the fuselage boom were split for more than 18 inches.

Probable Cause and Findings

The flight instructor’s failure to maintain clearance from obstacles while maneuvering at low altitude.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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