ATL99LA043

The pilot stated, on final approach at 10 to 15 feet AGL and performing the landing flare, a gust of wind caught the airplane causing it to pitch up 30 to 40 degrees. The pilot overcorrected the airplane and collided with the runway. Inspection of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector noted, no mechanical discrepancies and both engine and flight control continuity was established. The airplane sustained substantial damage and the pilot received minor injuries. During a review of the aircraft records by the FAA, the last annual inspection recorded was June 6, 1987. The aircraft was operated with no airworthiness certificate, no registration certificate, no conditional inspection, nor did the pilot have a current flight review. The pilot had not flown since 1994.

On January 13, 1999, at 1030 central standard time, an experimental amateur built Trohoski Vari-eze, N721NT, nosed over at Tupelo Municipal Airport in Tupelo, Mississippi. The airplane was operated by the certificated, non-current owner/private pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local pleasure flight. The pilot received minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane departed Tupelo Municipal Airport, Tupelo, Mississippi, at 1026.

The pilot stated, on final approach at 10 to 15 feet AGL and performing the landing flare, a gust of wind caught the airplane causing it to pitch up 30 to 40 degrees. The pilot believes he overcorrected and drove the airplane into the runway.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who visited the site, no mechanical discrepancies were noted with the aircraft and both engine and flight control continuity was established. The nose gear and main landing gear were sheared off. Damage was noted to the wooden spar in the main wing and the leading canard wing was broken off. During a review of the aircraft records by the FAA, the last annual inspection recorded was June 6, 1987. The aircraft was operated with no airworthiness certificate, no registration certificate, no conditional inspection, nor did the pilot have a current flight review. The pilot had not flown since 1994.