STRCASB Identification: STT003F012 .
03-10-2003, 05:23 PM
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STRCASB Identification: STT003F012 .
STRCASB Identification: STT003F012 . The docket is stored on visioneer_one's ancient Powerbook 
Accident occurred : Sunday, March 9, 2003 at ST. THOMAS, VI
Aircraft : WM Zen 50
Engine : Irvine .61
Pilot: "Guilderoy"
Injuries: multiple, nonfatal.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.
On March 9, at approximately 1630 Atlantic standard time, a WM Zen 50 nonregistered homebuilt airplane, was damaged following impact with terrain in St. Thomas, VI. The private pilot was not injured. The owner/pilot was operating the airplane under Title 14 CFR Part 103. Visual meteorological conditions with winds in excess of 10 knots prevailed for the personal flight that originated from Simón Pierre Field approximately 4 minutes before the accident. No flight plan had been filed.
During a WOT downwind pass the engine appeared to lose power then abruptly quit. The pilot declared mayday to Simón Pierre TWR, lowered his landing gear and made a slow, nose-high approach to the runway. After passing over the western threshold of the field the airplane's nose dropped abruptly and it dove straight into the ground. The cowling, muffler, wing and fuselage all suffered damage.
Addendum #1 : The engine was being run using 30% nitro fuel rather than its usual 15% nitro. The main and idle mixture had not been changed from their original settings before the flight.
Addendum #2 : The pilot mentioned that the plane seemed to be responding unusually to elevator inputs - it was showing an unusual tendency to climb. Upon recovering the airframe it was noticed that the elevator servo tray was detached; it is not known whether this item came loose before or due to the impact.
The St. Thomas R/C Association Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
INCORRECT CARBURETOR SETTINGS - TOO LEAN
AIRSPEED.. NOT MAINTAINED.. PILOT IN COMMAND
PROPER GLIDEPATH.. NOT ATTAINED.. PILOT IN COMMAND
Accident occurred : Sunday, March 9, 2003 at ST. THOMAS, VI
Aircraft : WM Zen 50
Engine : Irvine .61
Pilot: "Guilderoy"
Injuries: multiple, nonfatal.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.
On March 9, at approximately 1630 Atlantic standard time, a WM Zen 50 nonregistered homebuilt airplane, was damaged following impact with terrain in St. Thomas, VI. The private pilot was not injured. The owner/pilot was operating the airplane under Title 14 CFR Part 103. Visual meteorological conditions with winds in excess of 10 knots prevailed for the personal flight that originated from Simón Pierre Field approximately 4 minutes before the accident. No flight plan had been filed.
During a WOT downwind pass the engine appeared to lose power then abruptly quit. The pilot declared mayday to Simón Pierre TWR, lowered his landing gear and made a slow, nose-high approach to the runway. After passing over the western threshold of the field the airplane's nose dropped abruptly and it dove straight into the ground. The cowling, muffler, wing and fuselage all suffered damage.
Addendum #1 : The engine was being run using 30% nitro fuel rather than its usual 15% nitro. The main and idle mixture had not been changed from their original settings before the flight.
Addendum #2 : The pilot mentioned that the plane seemed to be responding unusually to elevator inputs - it was showing an unusual tendency to climb. Upon recovering the airframe it was noticed that the elevator servo tray was detached; it is not known whether this item came loose before or due to the impact.
The St. Thomas R/C Association Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
INCORRECT CARBURETOR SETTINGS - TOO LEAN
AIRSPEED.. NOT MAINTAINED.. PILOT IN COMMAND
PROPER GLIDEPATH.. NOT ATTAINED.. PILOT IN COMMAND
