Reidsville, NC, USA
N5142U
MAIN AIR RAPIER
The student pilot reported that the weight-shift control aircraft crossed the runway threshold at 20 feet above the ground, the aircraft drifted to the right. The student pilot "raised the right wing tip, to correct up"; a "large gust" of wind lifted the right wing upward and turned the aircraft sideways. The aircraft impacted the ground, left main landing gear first. His foot "got stuck" in the foot actuated throttle, full throttle position, the aircraft impacted terrain on the edge of the adjacent taxi way. The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The weight-shift-control aircraft sustained substantial damage to the wing.
The student pilot reported that the weight-shift control aircraft crossed the runway threshold at 20 feet above the ground, the aircraft drifted to the right. The student pilot "raised the right wing tip, to correct up"; a "large gust" of wind lifted the right wing upward and turned the aircraft sideways. The aircraft impacted the ground, left main landing gear first. His foot "got stuck" in the foot actuated throttle, full throttle position, the aircraft impacted terrain on the edge of the adjacent taxi way. The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The weight-shift-control aircraft sustained substantial damage to the wing. METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport that the accident occurred, elevation 693 feet, revealed that, at 1515, conditions were wind at 120 at 3 knots, visibility of 10 statute miles, sky clear. Runway Used: 31 Landing conditions at the time of the accident: about 3 knot tailwind and about .5 knot right crosswind.
The student pilot landed with variable wind conditions, which resulted in an in-flight loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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