Evolution Trikes REVO N214EV accident near South Haven, Michigan

Probable cause

The noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his loss of aircraft control and the resultant overstress and in-flight breakup of the weight-shift-control aircraft.

NTSB analysis

The noninstrument-rated sport pilot was returning to his home airport on a personal cross-country flight in a recently manufactured weight-shift-control aircraft. A witness located near the accident site reported hearing an "engine revving up," followed by a "loud bang." She subsequently noticed the aircraft's wing descending out of the clouds "like a maple leaf." The aircraft's wing impacted a cornfield, and the fuselage was found about 600 yards east of the wing.

Examination of the wreckage revealed that the hang block and three attachment bolts, both ends of the control bar, the bolt holding the safety cable to the mast, and the left wing leading edge tube were fractured. All of the fracture surfaces were consistent with overstress. The fracture of the left wing leading edge tube toward the aft direction was consistent with a negative g event. The wreckage signatures of a negative g event and overstress were consistent with a loss of aircraft control and the subsequent in-flight breakup of the aircraft.

The pilot had a demonstrated history of noncompliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. He was counseled by FAA personnel for flying in less than visual flight rules conditions about 1 month before the accident. Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), including ceilings at 500 ft above ground level, existed along the route of flight at the time of the accident. It is likely that the pilot improperly decided to continue visual flight into IMC and that he subsequently lost control of the aircraft, which resulted in the overstress and in-flight breakup of the aircraft.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14LA419 for the full record.