Event FTW00LA164

Factual narrative

On May 30, 2000, at 1500 central daylight time, a Geiling Sonerai II amateur-built experimental airplane, N10GX, was destroyed when it impacted the ground following a loss of control during the initial takeoff climb from the Victoria Regional Airport, near Victoria, Texas. The private pilot, who was the registered owner and operator of the airplane, was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to a witness, the airplane departed from runway 12R. The airplane climbed to 100 feet agl, pitched nose-up, and made a "short right turn to downwind. The aircraft then stalled, the nose descended to a very low attitude and the aircraft impacted the ground." The witness added that "the engine appeared to be running normally and developing enough power" prior to the accident. Another witness reported that he observed the airplane climbing as it was entering a turn toward the south-southwest. The airplane's "right wing dropped violently as if it stalled and entered into a spin." Subsequently, the airplane impacted the ground. An FAA inspector, who examined the airplane at the accident site, reported that the fuselage forward of the front seat separated from the airframe and was destroyed by impact forces. He added that the right wing separated from the airframe and the left wing was bent aft. Multiple attempts to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) from the pilot were unsuccessful. The airplane departed from runway 12R, climbed to 100 feet agl, pitched nose-up and initiated a 'short right turn to downwind.' During the turn, the airplane's 'right wing dropped violently,' the nose pitched down and subsequently, the airplane impacted the ground. A witness reported that the engine appeared to be running normally prior to the accident. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12