Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ERA11CA440

Frostproof, FL, USA

Aircraft #1

N13LN

NELSEN LYNN H LIGHTNING

Analysis

The pilot of the experimental, amateur-built airplane was departing from a turf runway. He reported that as he passed his normal rotation point on the runway, he rotated the airplane without verifying his airspeed, which resulted in the airplane becoming airborne prematurely. The airplane rotated, rolled to the left, impacted a light pole, and came to rest inverted. Substantial damage was sustained to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane prior to the accident.

Factual Information

The pilot of the experimental amateur-built Nelsen Lightning was departing from a turf runway. He reported that as he passed his normal rotation point on the runway, he rotated the airplane without verifying his airspeed, which resulted in the airplane becoming airborne prematurely. The airplane rotated, rolled to the left, impacted a light pole, and came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane prior to the accident.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's premature rotation during takeoff.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Get all the details on your iPhone or iPad with:

Aviation Accidents App

In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports