Probable cause
The student pilot landed with variable wind conditions, which resulted in an in-flight loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that the weight-shift control aircraft crossed the runway threshold at 20 feet above the ground, the aircraft drifted to the right. The student pilot "raised the right wing tip, to correct up"; a "large gust" of wind lifted the right wing upward and turned the aircraft sideways.
The aircraft impacted the ground, left main landing gear first. His foot "got stuck" in the foot actuated throttle, full throttle position, the aircraft impacted terrain on the edge of the adjacent taxi way.
The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The weight-shift-control aircraft sustained substantial damage to the wing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA212 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 2, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Reidsville, North Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Rockingham County Nc Shiloh (SIF)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
RAPIER
- N-number
- N5142U
- Category
- Weight-shift
- Year built
- 2002
- 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.