Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a high speed taxi test resulting in unintentional flight and ground collision.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was completing high speed taxi tests when the airplane inadvertently became airborne. The airplane climbed to about 50 to 70 feet above ground level and the pilot attempted to touch back down to land. The airplane descended quickly and he applied right rudder and pushed the controls forward. The airplane impacted the ground, incurring substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. Documentation provided by the airplane manufacturer recommended against high speed taxi.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA128 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 30, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Immokalee, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Immokalee Regional (IMM)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Excalibur Aircraft Excalibur
- N-number
- N818RJ
- Category
- Ultralight
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.