WPR21LA058

The pilot of the weight-shift-control aircraft was maneuvering at low altitude when he applied throttle to begin a climb; however, the aircraft continued to descend until it impacted terrain. Examination and test run of the engine after the accident revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The circumstances of the accident are consistent with the pilot’s failure to maintain control while maneuvering at low altitude.

On November 15, 2020, about 1040 Pacific standard time, an experimental Air Creation Tanarg, weight-shift control aircraft, N912SU, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Pahrump, Nevada. The pilot received a minor injury. The aircraft was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, he was flying east toward Mt. Charleston about 400 ft above ground level (agl). He observed a herd of horses and was circling above them. When he came out of the last shallow turn, he realized that he was “a bit low.” He applied throttle, but the aircraft did not climb, and descended and impacted terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the frame. The aircraft came to rest upright on uneven desert terrain with sparsely populated vegetation. All major components remained attached to the frame. The wings collapsed downward to the ground. The instrument panel separated but remained attached to the frame by wires. The three-bladed composite propeller sustained damage to all blades. Examination and a test run of the engine by an airframe and powerplant mechanic and overseen by a representative of the Federal Aviation Administration revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The mechanic used the installed throttle assembly and reported that the throttle operated normally with no resistance.