Loss of control Accident Flightstar Sportplanes FLIGHTSTAR II N677NC, Saturday 25 May 2013

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Date:	Saturday 25 May 2013
Time:	12:00 LT
Type:	Flightstar Sportplanes FLIGHTSTAR II
Owner/operator:
Registration:	N677NC
MSN:	271
Total airframe hrs:	1026 hours
Engine model:	Rotax 582DCDI
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	York, South Carolina - United States of America
Phase:	Approach
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	CHERRYVILLE, NC (1NC9)
Destination airport:	YORK, NC (01SC)
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The private pilot was attempting to land an experimental airplane on a grass runway. As the airplane descended to treetop level on final approach, it encountered a sudden decrease in airspeed and a rapid rate of descent. After arresting the descent the airplane caught a gust of wind and the left wing rose almost vertically and pushed the airplane to the right. The pilot was able to correct the right roll; however, the airplane impacted a fence and continued about 10 feet before colliding with the side of a hangar resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would preclude normal operations, and stated that he should have attempted to land with a faster airspeed due to the gusty wind conditions.

Probable Cause: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while landing in gusty wind conditions.

Accident investigation: