Probable cause
Delamination of the uncrewed aircraft systems’ right wing skin surfaces from the wing spar that resulted in a spin and impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The operator of the uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) reported that, during a demonstration flight at a company event, the UAS made a left turn and the right wing skin, along with the flaps and ailerons, separated from the UAS. He further reported that, after separating the wing skins opened and floated behind the UAS as it rolled right, spun, and impacted terrain. Substantial damage was identified to the entire UAS, to include the fuselage, both wings, and empennage
Postaccident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the right-wing skin had delaminated/separated from the wing spar consistent with a failed bond between the wing skin and wing spar.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR22LA183 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 14, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Winters, California
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Pyka Inc PELICAN
- N-number
- N605PK
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2022
- 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.