20230625011219A

On June 25, 2023, at approximately 0940 eastern standard time, a 2004 Edmisten Robert Eugene Sr., model: rans S-14 airaile, experienced a loss of power on takeoff from the Warner Robins Air Park (5A2), and was forced to make an uncontrolled landing in a residential neighborhood. There was one person on board who sustained a leg injury and was transported to a local medical facility for treatment. Due to the high velocity high angle impact with the terrain, the aircraft sustained substantial damage. According to the safety performance analysis system (spas), the aircraft had an experimental amateur built airworthiness certificate and a valid registration. The aircraft was being operated under the provisions of 14 CFR part 91 as a personal flight, day, visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.

On June 25, 2023, an FAA inspector from the atlanta flight standards district office (FSDO) traveled to Warner Robins, Georgia to investigate the cause of the reported accident. On arrival to the scene, the FAA inspector was met by members of the houston county sheriff’s office as they were securing the accident site. The pilot in command (PIC) had been transported to a local medical facility to receive treatment for a leg injury sustained during the impact. An examination of the wreckage site reveled that the aircraft had travelled through a large pine tree in the back yard of a homeowner and was still partially suspended vertically. However, the nose down impact caused the aircraft to sustain substantial damage to the cockpit, tail section, and wings. At the direction of the NTSB iic, the aircraft wreckage was transported to a secure hangar for a further evaluation later.

On June 28, 2023, an interview was conducted with the PIC. The PIC stated that he had recently performed an annual condition inspection and installed a new ivo 3 bladed propeller in accordance with ivoprop corp. ultralight model quick ground adjustment instructions. After installation the PIC stated he performed a successful ground static test and prepared the aircraft for a flight operational test. At approximately 700 feet MSL pilot observed the engine accelerate to 6500 RPM, which is outside of the acceptable range of operation. He then reduced power to 6000 RPM at which point the pilot reported flight controls felt mushy like a precursor to a stall. Next, he immediately went to coordinated full power and dropped the nose and initiated a gradual left turn to return to the airfield. Realizing the aircraft was not able to maintain altitude regardless of full throttle the pilot glided the aircraft to impact trees in a housing development with intent to avoid houses and possible injury to other personnel and property. According to the accident report given to the NTSB, the PIC stated that he failed to perform the proper ground adjustment on the propeller after installation. This improper adjustment caused the aircraft to lose altitude on takeoff.

A review of the aircraft logbooks revealed the last annual inspection was conducted on September 28, 2022. On June 15, 2023, the ivo 3 blade ground adjustable propeller was installed followed with a pilot static test on June 23, 2023. The airframe had a total of 676 hours at the time of the accident.