North Wing APACHE N242WT accident near Queen Creek, Arizona

Probable cause

A loss of control for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Contributing to the accident was the noncertificated pilot’s lack of experience in the aircraft type.

NTSB analysis

The noncertificated pilot reported that, after takeoff in the light sport trike, about 200 ft above ground level, he heard a popping sound and the aircraft yawed to the right. He heard the sound a second time, and the aircraft turned hard to the right. The pilot applied full engine power in an attempt to recover and gain lift in order to deploy the ballistic parachute; however, the aircraft did not recover and subsequently collided with the ground in a nose-down attitude.

Postaccident examination of the aircraft revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation, and the investigation was unable to determine the cause of the yaw and subsequent loss of control. The pilot was not appropriately certificated, nor did he have any experience flying the accident aircraft make and model.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR16LA080 for the full record.