NYC84FU004

The plt had previously flown 75 to 80 hrs in an ultralight controlled by a combination of weight-shift & rudder. On the day of the accident, he & his partner had practiced a series of crow hops in a teratorn ta. The teratorn ta was a 3-axis controlled ultralight which had stick controlled spoilerons & elevator & a foot pedal actuated rudder. The plt stated that on his last crow hop, he was flying about 5 ft above the ground across an open field when he found himself inadvertently heading toward a single, 40 ft tree. He was unable to turn away & decided to fly over the tree. A climb was initiated. However, as the ultralight reached about treetop level, the vehicle mushed, then the right wing dropped & the ultralight impacted the ground. This was the plt's 1st flt in this aircraft, which he & his partner had recently purchased. He had not received dual instruction in either a two-place ultralight or a certificated powered acft. No preimpact/mechanical failure or malfunction was found.