CEN19LA181

The pilot departed on a local flight in a light sport airplane. Video showed the airplane's departure from the runway surface and the beginning of a left turn during which the bank increased until the airplane traveled out of the frame. The airplane’s engine was heard throughout the accident sequence and no engine power changes were noted. A witness reported that the airplane reached an altitude of 40 ft before crashing. An examination of the airplane did not reveal any preimpact abnormalities that would have precluded normal operations. Based on the available information, the investigation could not determine why the pilot lost control.

On June 22, 2019, about 1725 eastern daylight time, an unregistered Quicksilver Sport 2S Light Sport Airplane, impacted terrain shortly after departing a private residence near Barnesville, Ohio. The pilot received serious injuries and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was owned and operated by a private individual under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. A witness recorded a video of the accident. A review of the video showed the airplane's takeoff from a grass airstrip. As the airplane departed the runway surface, it started a left turn, the bank continued to increase as the airplane disappeared out of the camera frame. The airplane was out of view when it impacted terrain. The airplane's engine was heard throughout the accident sequence, with no engine power changes noted. The responding FAA inspector reported that the pilot had bought the airplane, later identified as a Quicksilver Sport 2S, sometime in the fall of 2018. Adding that the dealer helped assemble the airplane and saying that the pilot needed to compete the certification and registration process. There was no record that the pilot applied for airplane airworthiness certificate or registration certificates. The airplane was not marked with a registration number. The pilot reported that he did not have any memory of the accident. A review of FAA records noted that the pilot held a private pilot certificate with rating for airplane single-engine land. The pilot did not have a current class medical on file; however, the pilot may have been eligible under the sport pilot medical rules. Examination of the wreckage found substantial damage to the fuselage/wings of the airplane. Flight control continuity to the control surfaces was confirmed. The fuel tank contained only residual fuel; however, the fuel lines to the tanks were broken during the accident sequence.