| Crash location | 43.633611°N, 111.682223°W |
| Nearest city | Heise, ID
43.641858°N, 111.684405°W 0.6 miles away |
| Tail number | N648MA |
|---|---|
| Accident date | 04 Jul 2011 |
| Aircraft type | M Squared Sprint 1000 |
| Additional details: | None |
On July 4, 2011, at 1301 mountain daylight time, an experimental light sport M Squared Sprint 1000 aircraft, N648MA, collided with the ground following a loss of control while maneuvering near Heise, Idaho. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was seriously injured. The owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. No flight plan was filed.
According to the owner of the aircraft, over the 7 months preceding the accident, the aircraft was "completely overhauled and refurbished including new sails and motor inspection." The accident flight was a test flight following this work. Before the flight, the owner and the pilot reexamined the aircraft and "confirmed all controls, instruments, fittings and connections." An engine run-up was completed, and the engine was "running smoothly." The owner witnessed the accident, and he reported that, after takeoff, the pilot made a 180-degree turn. He further reported that the aircraft was in a "slight climb" at an altitude of about 100 feet above ground level when it appeared to stall. The left wing dropped, and the aircraft descended in a steep left bank to ground impact. The owner ran to the aircraft, and while awaiting emergency responders, he spoke to the pilot, who said "I had no ailerons." The pilot also told the owner that he did not have engine trouble.
According to Federal Aviation Administration records, the pilot held a private pilot certificate with a single engine land airplane rating that was issued on November 15, 1978. His most recent medical certificate was issued on March 3, 1986. According to the owner, the pilot did not have any previous flight experience in the accident aircraft make and model.
Aircraft records provided by the owner indicated that the aircraft's most recent condition inspection was completed on December 8, 2007, at an aircraft total time of 810 hours. The owner purchased the aircraft in November 2010, and transported it by trailer to his residence.
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in the accident airplane make and model.