20240402003629A

On 04/02/2024, at 10:38 EDT, an experimental amateur built – Merlin Lite (a fixed tricycle gear, single cylinder motor glider) departing X49 runway 14, experienced an engine failure, an aerodynamic stall and loss of control, which resulted in substantial aircraft damage and fatally injuring the pilot (the sole occupant). The aircraft was operated as a title 14 code of federal regulations part 91 personal flight with visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailing.

According to witness statements, the aircraft was observed taxing to runway 14 with the engine sounding “a bit rough but it is only a small 2 stroke so I didnt think it was unusual.” witnesses later heard what they considered full engine power and turned to watch the aircraft take off. The witnesses did not observe the aircraft until it was approx. 15 feet above the ground (their view was blocked by an aircraft hangar and didn’t see the takeoff roll). When the aircraft was at an altitude of approximately 100FT to 150FT, the engine began to sputter and “went silent”. One witness stated the “plane appeared to drop the nose some…”, “…appeared to make a turn to the right followed by several wing wags”, and “…just then the plane dropped the inside wing and headed straight down. Impacting the ground in what appeared to be a 90 degree angle to the ground.”

Video surveillance camera, located approximately 980 feet from impact site, captured the aircraft at approximately 10:38:05 EDT, in the air, climbing as it departed runway 14. At approximately 10:38:08 EDT, the view of the aircraft becomes partially blocked, due a few low clouds. At approximately 10:38:12 EDT, the aircraft becomes visible and observed in a descending shallow right bank. At approximately 10:38:19 EDT, the aircraft is observed transitioning to a medium-to-steep left bank. At approximately 10:38:24 EDT, the aircraft appears to enter a stall/spin condition and impacts the ground at approximately 10:38:26 EDT, slid to the wreckage site, and came to rest at approximately 10:38:28 EDT.

Post accident examination: initial impact noted at approximately 27.93106, -82.04192 (lat/long). Wreckage site noted at approximately 27.931116, -82.04191 (lat/long). Substantial damage observed throughout the wreckage to include the fuselage/cockpit, l/r wings, landing gear, engine, and propeller. The aircraft was observed resting on the l/r wing leading edges with the portions of cockpit, landing gear assembly, and engine resting on the ground trailing behind. The empennage was partially separated from the fuselage (the fuselage torn from behind the rear bulkhead) and remained attached by a portion of fuselage and the elevator and rudder control cables and rods. The left wing exhibited crushing impact damage along approx. 2/3 of the leading edge and the outboard portion of the left wing was separated outboard of the wing flap. The separated portion of the left wing remained attached by the left aileron control rod. The right wing exhibited crushing impact damage along much of the leading edge.

Flight control continuing was observed and elevator trim in a neutral position.

Post accident engine examination revealed typical impact damage (e.g., propellor attachment bolt, engine mount, and external component fractures). During engine disassembly, both sparks found to have melted aluminum on the electrodes and the crown of the piston exhibited an approx. 1” diameter hole.

Pilot’s logbook or aircraft maintenance records were not found at scene, hangar, or pilot’s vehicle.

When and if further information becomes available, this report may be updated or amended accordingly.