Probable cause
The pilot/owner’s improper preflight inspection of the weight-shift trike, which resulted in a loss of control at takeoff due to an improperly adjusted wingtip.
NTSB analysis
The pilot departing from a road in the weight-shift control aircraft. At takeoff, the aircraft “pulled to the left” and struck a tree off the paved surface as the pilot aborted the takeoff. Afterwards, the pilot stated there were no mechanical deficiencies with the aircraft that would have precluded normal operations, and that the pull was likely due to an improperly adjusted wingtip.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA21LA051 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 22, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Placida, Florida
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
J&J Ultralights Sea-Wing
- N-number
- N947RC
- Category
- Weight-shift
- Year built
- 2006
- 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.