Quicksilver GT 400 N2433Z

Summary

On 5 April 2018 at about 21:00 local time, a Quicksilver GT 400 registered N2433Z was involved in an accident near Maxwell, Iowa, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

5 April 2018 at 21:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Maxwell, Iowa, United States

Nearest airport

Private Strip (N/A)

Coordinates

41.8402, -92.6146

Aircraft

Quicksilver GT 400

Registration

N2433Z

Category

Airplane

Year built

2003

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → Sac City

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN18LA137

1 person was seriously injured.

The noncertificated pilot's unfamiliarity with the airplane, which resulted in a loss of airplane control when the pilot encounter a wind gust.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The noncertificated pilot reported that he had just purchased the ultralight airplane. He added that he had not received a weather briefing before the flight. The previous owner reported that, earlier on the day of the accident, he flew a demonstration flight for the pilot in the airplane with “no issues.” He advised the pilot to use 10° of flaps for takeoff for improved performance; however, the previous owner saw the airplane take off without the flaps extended. Shortly after takeoff, he saw a wind gust push the airplane into a tree. The pilot reported he had no recollection of the accident. Examination of the airplane revealed that both wings and the fuselage had sustained substantial damage. Flight control continuity was established, and propeller damage was found that was consistent with the engine producing power at the time of impact. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot was unfamiliar with airplane make and model and reported having flown only 3.5 hours in the previous 20 years in a Cessna or Beechcraft airplane. When asked by the previous owner if the he was a pilot, the noncertificated pilot said, “yes”. Therefore, given the available evidence, it is likely that the noncertificated pilot, failed to maintain control of the ultralight airplane when he encountered the wind gust.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.