Aviate RAPTOR accident near Bealeton, VA
On May 23, 2008, an Aviate RAPTOR was involved in an accident near Bealeton, VA. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- May 23, 2008
- Place
- Bealeton, VA
- Aircraft
- Aviate RAPTOR · WSFT
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 38.564°N, 77.749°W
- NTSB ID
- 20080710X01009
Official records · MIA08LA105
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On May 23, 2008, about 1133 eastern daylight time, an experimental light sport weight-shift aircraft, Aviate Raptor, N74TK, collided with a tree then the ground near Bealeton, Virginia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal, local flight, from Warrenton Air Park (7VG0), Warrenton, Virginia. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial certificated pilot, the sole occupant, was killed. The flight originated about 1120, from 7VG0. One witness reported hearing what she thought was the engine “…not getting the fuel properly – it was missing and popping – spitting & sputtering and then silence.” The witness looked up and reported seeing the airplane descending straight down. She noted a parachute that did not appear to be open above the wreckage. The witness drew a depiction of the aircraft with the wings in their proper orientation. Another witness who saw the aircraft collide with trees reported hearing a sound similar to gunfire on impact. She called 911 to report the accident. Still another witness reported seeing an aircraft “spinning out of control….” The witness reported hearing a small explosion. The aircraft crashed during daylight hours. PERSONNEL INFORMATION The pilot, age 43, held a commercial pilot certificate with airplane single engine land, and instrument airplane ratings issued March 18, 2004, and also was the holder of a sport pilot certificate with weight shift control land privilege issued November 8, 2007. He held a third
Probable cause
An in-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons.
More accidents in VA
- Boeing 757-200, Sep 11, 2001
- Beech B99, Sep 23, 1985
- Beech 65, Sep 10, 1995
- Beech 200, Oct 24, 2004
- Piper PA-31-310, Nov 14, 1982
Browse: Virginia
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
