Progressive Aerodyne SEAREY N221EZ

Summary

On 29 July 2018 at about 16:05 local time, a Progressive Aerodyne SEAREY registered N221EZ was involved in an accident near Haverhill, New Hampshire, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 were seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

29 July 2018 at 16:05

Classification

Accident

Location

Haverhill, New Hampshire, United States

Coordinates

43.4526, -71.5633

Aircraft

Progressive Aerodyne SEAREY

Registration

N221EZ

Category

Airplane

Year built

2006

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Haverhill → Haverhill

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA18LA204

2 people were seriously injured.

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering the airplane at a very low altitude in a confined area while attempting to land on a river.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The private pilot took off in the experimental, amateur-built amphibious airplane from a river, which was about 100 ft wide and lined with trees on both sides, and initiated a right 180° turn. He then made a left teardrop turn about 50 ft above ground level over a flat cornfield to make a 45° re-entry to land back on the river. When the airplane crossed over the river's shoreline, the pilot attempted to turn left and line up with the river; however, according to the pilot, the control stick would not move past the vertical position. He added power, but the airplane was unable to climb above trees on the opposite side of the river. The airplane collided with the trees and descended into the water. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed both wings had been removed during recovery, but the flight controls moved freely when manually manipulated. The pilot said the airplane's automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) component, which was attached to the control panel via a suction cup, may have come loose during the flight and become caught under the flight control assembly, thus jamming the flight controls. He demonstrated how an object could get caught under the controls; however, neither he nor the passenger could confirm that this happened on the accident flight, and examination of the ADS-B component did not reveal any physical damage. The pilot said that he would normally climb above the surrounding terrain before coming back to land; however, during this flight, he did not give himself an "out" in case of an emergency. His decision to maneuver the airplane below surrounding terrain in a confined area left insufficient altitude to troubleshoot a perceived flight control issue, and he was unable to remain clear of trees.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.