Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during an aborted landing. Contributing to the accident were the high winds.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While landing on an unapproved grass strip, the student pilot of the amateur-built experimental light sport aircraft "bounced" and decided to abort the landing. As he applied power to the engine, the airplane encountered a wind gust, banked sharply right, and lost altitude. During the aborted landing, the airplane continued to turn to the right in a steep bank. After completing a full 180-degree turn, the airplane descended and impacted a fence pole, substantially damaging the right wing. The reported wind, at an airport located approximately 28 miles southwest of the accident site, about the time of the accident was from 250 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 19 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
While landing on an unapproved grass strip, the student pilot of the amateur-built experimental light sport aircraft (E-LSA) Quicksilver MXL II airplane, "bounced" and decided to abort the landing. As he applied power to the engine, the airplane encountered a wind gust, banked sharply right, and lost altitude. During the aborted landing, the airplane passed in close proximity to a utility pole, clearing the obstacle by approximately 20 feet, as the airplane continued to turn to the right in a steep bank. After completing a full 180-degree turn, the airplane descended and impacted a fence pole, substantially damaging the right wing. The reported wind, at an airport located approximately 28 miles southwest of the accident site, about the time of the accident, was from 250 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 19 knots.