LAX05LA222

The airplane impacted terrain just after takeoff. A relative of the pilot reported that just prior to the accident, the relative and the pilot attempted to takeoff. The airplane would not gain altitude due to a control problem so the pilot dropped the relative off and departed alone. Immediately following the takeoff, when the airplane was about 75 feet above ground level, the airplane banked to the left, then the right, and descended into the terrain. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) accident coordinator inspected the airplane and found no evidence of power or control malfunctions. Review of the aircraft specifications disclosed that it exceed the limitations of 14 CFR Part 103.1 for classification as an ultralight. The pilot did not hold any FAA pilot certificates. According to records of the United States Ultralight Association, Inc. (USUA) and the FAA, the pilot did not hold a training exemption for this ultralight, nor had a waiver been issued for 14 CFR 103.7. Records reviewed by USUA personnel indicated that the pilot was a registered ultralight pilot since 1986.

On July 1, 2005, at 1930 Pacific daylight time, an unregistered Quicksilver MX LII Sport, impacted terrain just following takeoff from the Brian Ranch Airport, Palmdale, California. The pilot, also the builder of the airplane, was operating it under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot, who did not hold any Federal Aviation Administration pilot certificates, sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was destroyed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot was departing the private airport on a local flight when the accident occurred.

According to a relative of the pilot, just prior to the accident, the relative and the pilot attempted to takeoff. The airplane could not lift from the ground due to a control problem so the passenger got out. The pilot then departed and when he reached 75 feet above ground level, the airplane banked to the left, then to the right, and then collided with the ground in a near vertical attitude.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) accident coordinator inspected the airplane the morning following the accident. Examination of the flight control system pulleys and cables did not show any preimpact failures. The two cylinder, gasoline powered engine and three-bladed wooden propeller were visually examined and appeared operational at the time of impact. No control or power malfunctions were discovered during the examination.

14 CFR Part 103.1 states that an ultralight by definition, "Is used or intended to be used for manned operation in the air by a single occupant," and if powered, "Weighs less than 254 pounds empty weight, excluding floats and safety devices which are intended for deployment in a potentially catastrophic situation." The airplane was equipped with two seats and the design empty weight was 325 pounds. Review of 14 CFR Part 103.7 revealed, "No person may conduct operations that require a deviation from this part except under a written waiver issued by the Administrator."

According to personnel from Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Aero Sports Connection (ASC), and United States Ultralight Association, Inc. (USUA), the pilot did not hold a training exemption for the ultralight.

Records reviewed by USUA personnel indicated that the pilot was a registered ultralight pilot since 1986.

The Los Angeles County coroner completed an autopsy on the pilot, and the coroner concluded that the pilot died as a result of injuries sustained in the accident. The FAA Forensic Toxicology laboratory completed toxicology testing for carbon monoxide, cyanide, ethanol, and specified drugs. The results for each test were negative.