Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control after an unexpected wind gust/turbulence encounter during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the experimental weight-shift control aircraft stated that he was returning to the departure airport after an uneventful 90-minute test flight. During the landing approach, the aircraft encountered a gust of wind, then "violently" pitched up, rolled to the right, nosed over, and impacted the ground. Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the wings and nose. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal aircraft operation. The pilot stated that he believed that this was a “freak” accident caused by unanticipated turbulence over the runway at the time of touchdown.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA570 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 21, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Gulfport, Mississippi
- Nearest airport
- Gulfport/Biloxi International (GPT)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Fly Hard Trike Inc SKYCYCLE STING RAY
- N-number
- N86862
- Category
- Weight-shift
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Flight test
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.