Evolution Aircraft Inc Revo N20EV accident near Holland, Michigan

Probable cause

The flight instructor's failure to maintain aircraft control during landing as a result of his failure to adjust the electric trim to the proper position for landing.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot and flight instructor were returning to the airport to land following an instructional flight in the weight-shift aircraft. The flight instructor performed the approach and landing, and, upon touchdown, the engine power increased. The aircraft lifted off the runway, drifted toward the right side of the runway, began a mild oscillation, then impacted the ground.

Postaccident examination revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation; the trim position was set to "fast." According to the aircraft operating instructions, when the aircraft is trimmed in the "fast" setting, the pilot would be required to apply more pressure on the controls in order to slow the aircraft down. The operating instructions indicated that the trim should be set to a "slow" position during landing.

It is likely that the flight instructor experienced greater than expected control forces and difficulty in slowing the aircraft during landing due to its improper trim setting. This subsequently led to his loss of control during landing.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN16LA245 for the full record.