Amateur-built LONG-EZ N9DZ accident near Kanab, Utah

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of airplane control during cruise flight.

NTSB analysis

The pilot/builder of the experimental amateur-built airplane was flying in the number two position in a flight of three airplanes. Radar data identified the airplane flying about 1.5 nautical miles (nm) behind the lead airplane and about 4 nm ahead of the number three airplane. As they approached their destination, the pilot of the lead airplane asked for a radio frequency change to the destination airport’s common traffic advisory frequency. The accident pilot and the pilot of the number three airplane acknowledged this request. However, the accident pilot never checked in on the new frequency. Radar data at this point identified the airplane in a straight cruise ground track at an altitude of about 500 feet over flat desert terrain. The wreckage was located almost directly beneath the last radar data point. Vegetation and soil disturbance at the initial impact point suggested that the airplane was in a 25-to-30-degree right bank and 15-to-25-degree nose-low pitch attitude at impact. Autopsy and toxicological testing of the pilot revealed no evidence of impairment or incapacitation. Postaccident examination of the engine and airframe revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. The investigation was unable to determine why the pilot failed to maintain control of the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11FA429 for the full record.