The pilot and passenger planned to complete a local flight from a private grass strip in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. Before departure, the pilot told the passenger that they would need to fly under power lines, then they could climb to a higher altitude.
After flying under the power lines, the Skyranger II continued about 0.5 nm at a low altitude and the right wing hit a tree. The airplane hit the ground and sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.
The pilot was seriously injured in the crash, while the passenger sustained minor injuries.
Post-accident examination of the airplane did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Based on passenger weight and fueling information provided by the airstrip owner, and friend of the pilot, the airplane was likely over its maximum gross weight, which resulted in a degraded climb performance.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s decision to depart with the airplane over maximum gross weight, which reduced the climb performance and resulted in a collision with a tree.
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This May 2024 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.
Ignorance is bliss. And causes wreckage and serious personl injury.
/J
Ignorance is bliss. And wreckage and serious personal injury.