DFW05LA110

A 600-hour uncertificated pilot, who had purchased the airplane 2-weeks prior to the accident, was attempting to make a short field landing in his new homebuilt airplane on Runway 34, a 2,400 by 20-foot asphalt runway, when "a wind gust put him right into the trees on the west side of the runway." An automated weather observing system, located approximately 15 nautical miles east of the accident, reported wind from 310 degrees at 9 knots. The pilot reported that at the time of the accident the winds were "shifting at 30 to 40 knots."

On April 26, 2005, approximately 1415 central daylight time, a Friddle Super Cub Replica single-engine experimental airplane, N10038, owned and operated by a private individual, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees during an attempted go-around at the Kezer Air Ranch Airport (61TE), near Springtown, Texas. The pilot, who did not hold a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificate, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the local personal flight, which was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

In a written statement provided to the NTSB, the uncertificated pilot reported that he was attempting to make a short field landing on Runway 34, a 2,400 by 20-foot asphalt runway at 61TE, when "a wind gust put him right into the trees on the west side of the runway." In a telephone converstaion with an NTSB representative, the pilot further stated that he purchased the experimental homebuilt airplane two weeks prior to the accident. The 70-year old pilot reported having accumulated in excess of 600 hours, with no previous time in the accident make and model.

The pilot reported that the winds at the time of the accident were "shifting at 30 to 40 knots."

A review of photos taken of the airplane after the accident revealed structural damage to the fuselage and engine cowling. Both wings became detached from the fuselage and sustained structural damage as well. The outer three quarters of both wooden propeller blades had separated from the propeller.

At 1353, the automated weather observing system at the Fort Worth Alliance Airport, located approximately 15 nautical miles east of the accident, reported wind from 310 degrees at 9 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, a clear sky, temperature 73 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 33 degrees Fahrenheit, and a barometric pressure setting of 29.88 inches of Mercury.