According to the non-certificated pilot of the unregistered airplane, he was flying at a low altitude near West Middlesex, Pennsylvania, when he encountered a wind gust.
He then lost control of the Kolb Firefly, and it subsequently hit trees, which resulted in substantial damage to the airframe and minor injuries to two people.
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause: The non-certificated pilot’s loss of airplane control while maneuvering at a low altitude.
NTSB Identification: ERA17CA030
This October 2016 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Perhaps it would be meaningful to mention in the reporting that the firefly is an ultralight, and thus neither a pilot certificate or aircraft registration are required?
The Kolb Firefly is not an “unregistered airplane;” it is a 14 CFR Part 103 ultralight which is not subject to registration. The operator was not a “non-certificated pilot” because airman certification is not required under Part 103 for operation of an ultralight. See www.kolbaircraft.com/firefly.htm and www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=0af376ec89616b8e2ac2f914c7ce1a69&mc=true&node=se14.2.103_17&rgn=div8
To answer PJ’s question, “How is this a story:” it appears to me that the reporter thought they had found an egregious example of illegal operation and the dire consequences that follow it. It seems more likely that the reporter just don’ know nuthin’ ’bout no ultralights.
When I read the headline I thought to myself “how is this a story? I’m sure this happens hundreds of times a day around the country!”. But then I continued reading and realized it was referring to an airplane. In the words of Roseanne Roseannadanna, never mind.