# NTSB ERA12CA302: Evektor-Aerotechnik Sportstar, N505EV, Lancaster, PA, April 25, 2012

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: April 25, 2012, 11:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Lancaster, PA
- Coordinates: 40.122222, -76.294166 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.1222&lon=-76.2942&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 15, 2012
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation
- Parties: FAA/FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 83479
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA12CA302
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/83479/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=83479
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12CA302

## Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during the takeoff, and her delayed remedial action in aborting the takeoff after the loss of directional control.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Evektor-Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR, 16 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=0600012), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md)
- [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Evektor-Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR, 10 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=0600012), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md)
- [Action: delayed action](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041025): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Evektor-Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041025/cases.md?model=0600012), [All aircraft, 894 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041025/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Evektor-Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=0600012), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md)
- [Takeoff: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Evektor-Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR, 8 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=0600012), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md)
- [Takeoff-rejected takeoff: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Evektor-Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR, 13 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=0600012), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md)

## Analysis

After the pilot applied full engine power for takeoff, the airplane veered to the left. The pilot attempted to apply right rudder, but was unsuccessful in regaining control of the airplane before it departed the runway surface. The airplane bounced several times as it continued across the grassy area adjacent to the runway and a taxiway before it came to a stop. During the accident sequence the firewall was substantially damaged. Examination of the airplane's rudder and nosewheel steering system revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

## Factual narrative

The pilot taxied the airplane onto the runway and applied full power to the engine for takeoff. The airplane veered to the left, and the pilot attempted to apply right rudder, but was unsuccessful in regaining control of the airplane before it departed the runway surface. The airplane bounced several times as it crossed the grassy area adjacent to the runway and a taxiway, before the pilot cut off the engine. The airplane ultimately came to rest about 2,000 feet from the runway threshold. During the accident sequence the nose landing gear collapsed and the firewall was substantially damaged. Examination of the airplane's rudder and nosewheel steering system revealed no evidence of any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N505EV](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N505EV-2019-12-30), registration cancelled 2019-12-30, S/N 20050505, built 2006 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: EVEKTOR-AEROTECHNIK AS SPORTSTAR
- Registry model: [Evektor-Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR](https://openairdocs.org/model/evektor-aerotechnik-sportstar) (registry code 0600012) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Bombardier ROTAX (ALL)](https://openairdocs.org/engine/bombardier-rotax-all) (registry code 09050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 20050505
- Airframe hours: 356
- Engines: Rotax 912ULS 100 hp reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Sportstar 505ev LLC
- Registered owner: Sportstar 505ev LLC
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Special light-sport (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 8, 2011, 213 hours before
- Departed: LNS, Lancaster, PA
- Destination: LNS, Lancaster, PA
- Airport: LNS, Lancaster Airport, runway 31, 4,101 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 69; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review April 30, 2011; seat: left; flight hours: 440 total, 50 in this make and model, 254 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 29.81 inHg
- Observed at: LNS

## 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 20120425006129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20120425006129A), Apr 25, 2012: Evektor-Aerotechnik As SPORTSTAR, Lititz, PA, Substantial damage. This accident occurred on the pilot's first takeoff of the day; she was intending to fly from Lancaster, PA, to york, PA. The Lancaster tower controller…

## Docket (7 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on August 13, 2012, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=83479. 4.4 MB in all.

- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 3.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40367665&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF
- Pilot's Statement (item 2, .PDF, 83 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40367379&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%27s%20Statement-Redacted.PDF
- Witness Statements (item 3, .PDF, 320 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40367656&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Witness%20Statements-Redacted.PDF
- Record of Correspondence - FAA Inspector Email (item 4, .PDF, 82 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40367377&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Correspondence%20-%20FAA%20Inspector%20Email-Master.PDF
- Accident Scene Diagram (Courtesy of FAA) (item 5, .PDF, 537 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40367658&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Accident%20Scene%20Diagram%20(Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF
- Photo 1 - Airplane from Front (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 6, .PDF, 152 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40367381&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%20-%20Airplane%20from%20Front%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF
- Photo 2 - Damage to Firewall (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 7, .PDF, 154 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40367382&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%20-%20Damage%20to%20Firewall%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.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.

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