Probable cause
The pilot’s premature rotation during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the weight-shift-control aircraft reported that, during takeoff, he pitched upward excessively early for the aircraft's weight. Several feet above the ground, the aircraft descended and bounced off the runway. The pilot tried to regain control and take off again, but the aircraft came back down and bounced on the runway. The left main landing gear collapsed, and the aircraft slid down the runway about 75 ft before coming to rest. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the aircraft that would have precluded normal operation. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the fuselage was substantially damaged.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA16CA278 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 31, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Valkaria, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Valkaria (X59)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Trick Trikes STORM
- N-number
- N4367X
- Category
- Weight-shift
- Year built
- 2007
- 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.