# NTSB CEN22LA007: Soneral L2, N9115Y, Minot, ND, October 3, 2021 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report - Date: October 3, 2021, 16:20 local (21:20 UTC) - Place: Minot, ND - Coordinates: 48.257639, -101.27802 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.2576&lon=-101.2780&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Approach-VFR pattern final: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: FAA FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 104058 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN22LA007 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/104058/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=104058 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA007 ## Probable cause The pilot’s failure to maintain proper airspeed and exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack on final landing approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inexperience with the airplane’s performance, and an oil film on the canopy that obscured the pilot’s visibility. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Fluids: oil](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071020): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Unknown/Not determined (probable cause); cases with it: [Kellner Peter T SONERAI II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071020/cases.md?model=05630E4), [All aircraft, 174 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071020/cases.md) - [Not determined](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000): Not determined › Not determined · Unknown/Not determined (probable cause); cases with it: [Kellner Peter T SONERAI II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md?model=05630E4), [All aircraft, 2,247 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md) - [Personnel issues](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02060000): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Kellner Peter T SONERAI II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02060000/cases.md?model=05630E4), [All aircraft, 137 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02060000/cases.md) - [Engine (reciprocating)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Unknown/Not determined (probable cause); cases with it: [Kellner Peter T SONERAI II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500/cases.md?model=05630E4), [All aircraft, 497 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500/cases.md) - [Experience/qualifications: total experience w/ equipment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031025): Personnel issues › Experience/knowledge · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Kellner Peter T SONERAI II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031025/cases.md?model=05630E4), [All aircraft, 269 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031025/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: use of equip/system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Kellner Peter T SONERAI II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/cases.md?model=05630E4), [All aircraft, 1,391 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: airspeed](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Kellner Peter T SONERAI II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md?model=05630E4), [All aircraft, 1,681 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: angle of attack](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Kellner Peter T SONERAI II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042/cases.md?model=05630E4), [All aircraft, 990 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Approach-VFR pattern final: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Kellner Peter T SONERAI II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=05630E4), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot prepared for his first flight in the recently acquired airplane, taxied to the runway, and took off. As the airplane climbed into the traffic pattern, the pilot noticed that the engine temperature was high, just under redline. He reduced engine power and the temperature came back to normal. On final approach, he decided that the approach was not as stable as he would have liked so he decided to execute a go-around. During the go-around, the engine did not seem to have to have much power, and the pilot saw what appeared to be engine oil on the windscreen which obscured his visibility. The pilot decided to land the airplane as soon as possible and executed an abbreviated approach. Just before touchdown on the runway, the airplane stalled and bounced on the runway. The airplane veered off the runway, resulting to structural damage to the forward part of the fuselage and empennage. Examination of the airplane and engine did not reveal any anomalies that could have contributed to the reported partial loss of engine power; however, there was a film of oil on the engine cowl and canopy, which would have obscured the pilot’s forward visibility. It was the pilot’s first flight in the airplane, and he was not familiar with its characteristics and performance. It is likely that, while executing an abbreviated approach, the pilot failed to maintain the proper airspeed, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and the airplane experiencing an aerodynamic stall and subsequent hard landing. ## Factual narrative On October 3, 2021, about 1620 central daylight time, a Soneral L2 airplane, N9115Y, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Minot, North Dakota. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted under the provisions of Title14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot stated that he prepared for his first flight in the recently acquired airplane. He conducted a preflight, started the engine, and taxied to runway 31 for takeoff at Minot International Airport (MOT). As the airplane climbed into the traffic pattern, the pilot noticed that the engine temperature was high, just under redline. He reduced engine power and the temperature came back to normal. On the downwind, he leveled the airplane and prepared for a landing. On final approach, he decided that he was not as stable as he would have liked and decided to execute a go-around. During the go-around, the engine did not seem to have to have much power, and the pilot saw what appeared to be engine oil on the windscreen which obscured his visibility. The pilot then saw the engine temperature gauge rise to over 500°. Oil pressure was in the normal range. The pilot decided to land the airplane as soon as possible, executed an abbreviated approach, and lined up to land on runway 31. On final approach, a few feet from touchdown, the airplane stalled. The airplane dropped to the runway and bounced a few times. The pilot tried to recover by applying power, but the engine did not seem to have enough power. The airplane listed to the right and veered off the runway, resulting to structural damage to the forward part of the fuselage and empennage. The airplane was examined at the accident site. The two blades of the wooden propeller were shattered, consistent with rotation/power at impact. The propeller was separated from crankshaft and the forward part of the crankshaft was fractured with torsion signatures. The Volkswagen, model 2175CC engine was rotated, and engine drive continuity was confirmed. Throttle cables were connected and had continuity from the cockpit to engine. The fuel distribution system was intact. Oil film was present on top of the engine cowl and canopy. The source of the oil film on the cowl and canopy appeared to come from the crankshaft seal area. After the accident, the pilot stated that he had recently acquired the airplane and it was his first flight in the airplane He was not familiar with its characteristics and performance. Airplane logbooks provided by the pilot showed that the airplane’s last flight was conducted in January of 1995. Additional entries showed that the airplane was ground taxi-tested several times, but not flown. The most recent condition inspection was completed on September 1, 2021, during which, the airplane’s engine was operated for about 3 hours (ground run) with no anomalies. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N9115Y](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9115Y), registered now, S/N 01204 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Soneral L2 - Registry model: [Kellner Peter T SONERAI II](https://openairdocs.org/model/kellner-peter-t-sonerai-ii) (registry code 05630E4) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Volkswagen CONVERSION](https://openairdocs.org/engine/volkswagen-conversion) (registry code 63501, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 01204 - Year built: 1995 - Airframe hours: 25 - Engines: Volkswagon 2175CC reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Jeremy Skalicky - Registered owner: Jeremy Skalicky - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental light sport (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, September 1, 2021 - Destination: Same as departure - Airport: MOT, Minot Intl, runway 31, 7,700 × 150 ft, concrete - Equipment: None ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 53; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; seat: front; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 500 total, 1 in this make and model, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 260° at 14 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 34 °F - Altimeter: 29.87 inHg - Observed at: KMOT - METAR: KMOT 032140Z 26014KT 10SM FU CLR 29/01 A2987 RMK AO2 T02890006 ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20211003017029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20211003017029A), Oct 3, 2021: Kellner Peter T SONERAI II, Minot, ND, Substantial damage. Pilot was conducting his initial flight in the experimental aircraft. After initial climb out and making pattern altitude, he noticed high engine temperature.… ## Docket (4 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on March 16, 2023, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=104058. 4.8 MB in all. - NTSB form 6120 pilot operator report CEN22LA007 (item 1, PDF, 9 pages, 1.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13041803&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=NTSB%20Form%206120%20Pilot%20Operator%20Report%20CEN22LA007_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Memorandum for the record airframe and engine examination findings CEN22LA007 (item 2, PDF, 4 pages, 920 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13041704&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20the%20Record%20Airframe%20and%20Engine%20Examination%20Findings%20CEN22LA007_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Memorandum for the record FAA logbook review summary CEN22LA007 (item 3, PDF, 1 page, 146 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13041603&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20the%20Record%20FAA%20Logbook%20Review%20Summary%20CEN22LA007_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Photo array CEN22LA007 (item 4, PDF, 2 pages, 2.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13041535&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Photo%20Array%20CEN22LA007-Rel.pdf From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.