According to a local news report, after the accident, the non-certificated pilot stated, “The wind got the better of me and the near-death experience is pretty interesting.”
He further stated, “I tried to level out before the crash into the house and aimed for the tree. I thought we were dead and I pulled the yoke as far as I could to get the elevation leveled out, which saved our life. I hit the tree with the wing and we spun and landed.”
Subsequently, the Radio Flyer came to rest in a residential neighborhood in Tehachapi, California.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings.
After multiple requests, the non-certificated pilot failed to submit the National Transportation Safety Board Form 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report.
The automated weather observation system at the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 320° at 17 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The pilot departed on Runway 29.
Probable cause: The non-certificated pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from residential buildings and trees in gusting wind conditions.
NTSB Identification: GAA17CA375
This June 2017 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.
The term is the same as ‘unlicensed driver’ of a car. The guy was the pilot of the aircraft and he had no certificates to operate it.
I could not find any info on the aircraft so I’ll assume it was another original design. The FAA registry had it as s/n 001.! The engine is a well known 80 HP , 2 cylinder.
BTW, the Tehachapi airport is at 4001 ft and winds are usual there….no place for a low powered experimental aircraft.
Also, winds gusting to 25kts would make me not consider flying my Cessna.!
The term is the same as ‘unlicensed driver’ of a car. The guy was the pilot of the aircraft and he had no certificates to operate it.
BTW, the Tehachapi airport is at 4001 ft and winds are usual there….no place for a low powered experimental aircraft.
Also, winds gusting to 25kts would make me not consider flying my Cessna.!
He’s a “pilot” because he’s in control of an aircraft. He’s “non-certificated pilot” because he has NO certificate of any kind. Otherwise he would be a “non-current” or “student” or something else pilot.
What is a “non-certified pilot?” Do you mean a student? Do you mean a non-current pilot? Do you mean a completely untrained goof taking a joy ride? What?
You nailed it on the third try…
completely untrained goof taking a joy ride?
If the person operating the controls was NOT certificated as a pilot, then the headline should not identify him as a “pilot.”