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NTSB investigation record

WPR22LA183

Completed

Pyka inc Pelican· N605PK

Date
May 14, 2022
Location
Winters, CA
Conditions
VMC
Record
Published August 12, 2022

Primary finding

Probable cause

Delamination of the uncrewed aircraft systems’ right wing skin surfaces from the wing spar that resulted in a spin and impact with terrain.

Investigator assessment

Analysis narrative

The operator of the uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) reported that, during a demonstration flight at a company event, the UAS made a left turn and the right wing skin, along with the flaps and ailerons, separated from the UAS. He further reported that, after separating the wing skins opened and floated behind the UAS as it rolled right, spun, and impacted terrain. Substantial damage was identified to the entire UAS, to include the fuselage, both wings, and empennage Postaccident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the right-wing skin had delaminated/separated from the wing spar consistent with a failed bond between the wing skin and wing spar.

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