CHI96LA336

This was the maiden flight for a experimental Horizon One airplane, after being built by the pilot/builder. On short final, the pilot slowed his airspeed to 60 mph (20 mph above stall speed), and selected 1/2 flaps. The pilot experienced a wind gust and lost forward airspeed and control of the airplane. The airplane impacted the runway.

On September 12, 1996, at 1510 eastern daylight time (edt), a Horizon One, N1153X, owned and piloted by a private pilot, was destroyed during a collision with the ground while attempting to land on runway 28 at Owosso Community Airport, Owosso, Michigan. The pilot reported serious injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was not operating on a flight plan. This was the maiden flight for the experimental Horizon One. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight departed Owosso, Michigan, at 1510 edt.

According to the written statement from the spouse of the pilot who witnessed the accident, on final approach, with flaps selected to 1/2 setting at approximately 60 mph (20 mph above stall), the pilot encountered wind shear. The witness stated, "...met with wind shear which raised the nose nearly out of control and reduced forward speed. Pilot removed carb heat and applied full throttle. As airplane passed through wind gust, it raised the tail to nearly control limits. The plane was still under control at about 20 ft agl but had no lift." The airplane impacted the runway.

According to a written statement from a second witness, he said during climb out the airplane was appeared to be experiencing turbulence. On final approach he noticed that the pilot seem to have a hard time lining up with the centerline. He stated, "...but than the bottom dropped out from about 20-30 ft agl and slammed onto the runway in a level flight attitude. The gear collapsed skidded for a few feet and then did a back flip and then back to the runway on its belly."

The Shiawassee County Sheriff Department interviewed the pilot and stated, "Pilot states he was testing the airplane after having built it himself. During the flight he had problems controlling the airplane due to it having a stick and not a wheel. Upon landing he states he lost control of the aircraft."

A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector revealed that the pilot did not have a tailwheel endorsement. The pilot's Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) told the pilot to taxi the airplane around to get a feel for it, and when the CFI returned to the area, he would check him out in a tailwheel airplane. The pilot took off before the CFI returned to the area.