Aviat A-1C-200 N298WY accident near Grover, Wyoming

Probable cause

The pilot’s inability to regain airplane control after a pilot-induced spin conducted during a flight test, which resulted in a collision with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot in the experimental test airplane reported that the purpose of the flight was to conduct spin testing, in support of future airplane type certification. Prior to the accident, he had completed seven power on test spins in which all spins exhibited no unusual or flat tendency. During the accident flight, the test condition called for a spin from level flight, with flaps up, and aft center of gravity, heavy weight, to the left, with aileron opposite of the turn. After one 360o rotation, the nose was much higher above the horizon than prior test conditions. The pilot applied corrective controls with no effect on any axis. The pilot was not able to recover the airplane from the induced spin and subsequently disembarked the airplane about 10,180 ft mean sea level. The pilot deployed his emergency parachute and during his descent he noted that the airplane was in a flat spin to ground impact. The airplane impacted the ground and sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot landed hard and sustained serious compression fractures in L1 and L2.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR20CA266 for the full record.