Inquest into the death of Neil McNab
Deceased
Neil Arthur McNab
Demographics
55y, male
Date of death
2013-10-27
Finding date
2014-12-30
Cause of death
Multiple injuries from an ultralight aircraft crash
AI-generated summary
Neil McNab, a 55-year-old recreational ultralight pilot, died in a crash while flying an unfamiliar aircraft type—an Airborne Edge XT-912—for the first time. The aircraft had significantly different handling characteristics and engine torque properties compared to his own lower-powered model. McNab attempted a tight left turn at low altitude (below 500 feet) over his property, which proved challenging given the aircraft's faster roll response and opposite engine torque effects. The coroner and engineering experts concluded that unfamiliarity with the aircraft, combined with low altitude limiting recovery options, resulted in a stall and loss of control. Clinical lessons include: pilots transitioning between aircraft types should conduct initial familiarization flights at higher altitudes with experienced on-type oversight; low-altitude flight operations carry disproportionate risk when control loss occurs; and the importance of honest communication about system changes or prior incidents to investigators.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Error types
Contributing factors
- Pilot unfamiliar with performance characteristics of the aircraft type being flown
- Significantly different handling characteristics between the two aircraft types (roll response, engine torque, acceleration)
- Operation at excessively low altitude below 500 feet AGL
- Tight turn manoeuvre attempted at low altitude with insufficient height for recovery
- Engine torque effects causing unexpected aircraft roll behaviour different from pilot's own aircraft
- Pilot attempted a 'fly-by' manoeuvre over his own property at low altitude
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