The airplane was destroyed when it impacted flat terrain at an unknown time, killing the solo pilot. Visual conditions prevailed. The flight was to test a retractable tailwheel installed on the airplane. It was a flight of two, with a friend of the pilots flying behind to observe the tailwheel operation. The second pilot reported nothing unusual was noted with the flight until he observed the accident airplane flying “erratically.” He attempted to raise the accident pilot on the radio, but received no response. The second pilot was able to catch up to the accident airplane and observed the accident pilot slumped over in the cockpit. The second pilot stayed with the accident airplane until his airplane became low on fuel, at which point he returned to his base.
November 6, 2008, Wallace, Calif., Universal Globe Swift
The airplane was destroyed when it impacted flat terrain at an unknown time, killing the solo pilot. Visual conditions prevailed. The flight was to test a retractable tailwheel installed on the airplane. It was a flight of two, with a friend of the pilots flying behind to observe the tailwheel operation. The second pilot reported nothing unusual was noted with the flight until he observed the accident airplane flying "erratically." He attempted to raise the accident pilot on the radio, but received no response.
Key Takeaways:
- A solo pilot died when their experimental aircraft impacted flat terrain during a test flight for a retractable tailwheel.
- A chase plane pilot observed the accident aircraft flying erratically and its pilot slumped over in the cockpit, unresponsive to radio communications.
- The observer stayed with the unresponsive aircraft until low on fuel, confirming the pilot's incapacitation prior to the impact.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
