Cosmos PHASE II N56078

Summary

On 20 September 2010 at about 14:40 local time, a Cosmos PHASE II registered N56078 was involved in an accident near El Mirage, California, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

20 September 2010 at 14:40

Classification

Accident

Location

El Mirage, California, United States

Nearest airport

El Mirage (PVT)

Coordinates

34.6303, -117.6194

Aircraft

Cosmos PHASE II

Registration

N56078

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

El Mirage → El Mirage

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR10LA462

1 person died.

The pilot's improper preflight and starting procedures, which resulted in an inadvertent takeoff with the gust lock still installed.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

A witness reported that the non-certificated pilot's normal procedure was to start the engine while seated in the weight-shift-control trike. Once started, he would then exit while the engine warmed up, and put on his helmet and glasses. On the day of the accident, the pilot was seated and unrestrained in the aircraft, with the gust lock installed, and appeared to be having difficulty starting the engine. He then moved the throttle to the full forward position and attempted a restart. This time the engine started, and immediately accelerated to high power. The aircraft then accelerated forward, rotated, and began a steep climb followed by a stall and uncontrolled descent to the ground. Throughout the maneuver the pilot appeared to be struggling to stay within the aircraft. The engine manufacturer's instructions specified that the throttle control should be set to the idle position during engine startup. Additionally, the manual stated that the operator should be able to operate the engine controls instinctively at startup, and be in a position to turn off the ignition switch instantly if necessary. No anomalies were noted with the throttle control, which was observed in the full open position. The pilot did not use wheel chocks to secure the trike prior to engine start.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.