Event NYC07CA215

Factual narrative

According to several witnesses, the un-registered amateur built Hummel Aviation Ultra Cruiser departed the airport on the second flight of the day. After maneuvering in the vicinity of the airport, the airplane flew at a low altitude, and descended, toward the approach end of the runway opposite of its initial departure. One witness watched as the airplane struck trees near the end of the runway, and the other witness lost sight of the airplane before hearing the sounds of impact. Another witness commented that he heard the engine operating continuously, with no noted changes in engine rpm. Examination of a broken tree branch, identified as the initial impact point, and the wing of the airplane revealed that they both exhibited signatures consistent with a wings level impact attitude. No evidence of any pre-impact failures or malfunctions of the airframe or engine were noted. The pilot held a student pilot certificate, which was issued more than 9 years prior to the date of the accident flight. No maintenance records were available; however, according to witnesses, the accident flight was the second flight since the pilot had completed construction of the airplane. The un-registered amateur built Hummel Aviation Ultra Cruiser departed the airport on the second flight of the day. After maneuvering in the vicinity of the airport, the airplane flew at a low altitude, and descended towards the approach end of the runway opposite of its initial departure. The airplane subsequently struck trees near the end of the runway. Examination of a broken tree branch, identified as the initial impact point, and the wing of the airplane revealed that the airplane impacted the tree in wings level attitude. No evidence of any pre-impact failures or malfunctions of the airframe or engine were noted. The pilot held a student pilot certificate, which was issued more than 9 years prior to the date of the accident flight. No maintenance records were available; however, according to witnesses, the accident flight was the second flight since the pilot had completed construction of the airplane. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12