SEA02LA126

The non-certified pilot was operating an unregistered experimental Cosmos Phase II Trike. A witness to the accident reported that the aircraft entered a left turn shortly after departing the runway. He reported that the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL) and then began to descend. The aircraft continued a descending left turn until it impacted terrain. The witness reported that this was the pilot's first solo flight in the accident aircraft. During a telephone interview, the pilot reported that he was unable to recall any of the detailed events surrounding the accident.

On July 9, 2002, at 2030 Pacific daylight time, an unregistered experimental Cosmos Phase II Trike sustained substantial damage after colliding with terrain shortly after takeoff from the Deer Park Airport, Deer Park, Washington. The aircraft was owned by the non-certified pilot, and was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) flight under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 91. The pilot, the sole occupant of the two-seat aircraft, sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the local flight.

A witness to the accident reported that the aircraft entered a left turn shortly after departing runway 14. He reported that the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL) and then began to descend. The aircraft continued a descending left turn until it impacted terrain. The witness reported that this was the pilots first solo flight in the accident aircraft.

During a telephone interview with the National Transportation Safety Board, the pilot reported that he was unable to recall any of the detailed events surrounding the accident.