Probable cause
A loss of control in flight due to undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The purpose of the flight was a demonstration for a prospective buyer. According to witnesses, after becoming airborne and reaching approximately 50 feet above ground level the airplane's engine began to surge. The airplane then entered a bank to the left and impacted a marshy area, producing a debris path approximately 100 feet long. The main wreckage came to rest with the engine partially submerged. All major structural components and flight control surfaces were accounted for at the scene; however, flight control continuity could not be confirmed because of impact damage. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine identified no anomalies that would produce engine surges or a loss of control.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for MIA08LA152 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 31, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Nearest airport
- St Augustine (SGJ)
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Velocity 173RG
- N-number
- N269VE
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.