WPR24LA228

Factual narrative

On July 2, 2024, about 1330 Pacific daylight time, a Vans Aircraft Inc., RV-12IS airplane, N725FA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Scappoose, Oregon. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. A review of Automated Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data showed that the airplane departed Grove Field Airport (1W1), Camas, Washington, and flew to Scappoose Airport (SPB), Scappoose, Oregon, and remained in the traffic pattern. The data showed the airplane completing four left-turn traffic patterns when the data ended about 1/2 mile short of the approach end of runway 15. At the last data point, the airplane’s airspeed was about 60 kts and its altitude was about 50 ft. Witnesses, located at the airport, reported that they observed the airplane in a “hard left bank turn,” in a nose down attitude, until it impacted terrain. The airplane came to rest on a taxiway east of runway 15. The airplane was retained for further examination. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• — Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Use of checklist-Pilot
• — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Pitch control-Capability exceeded
• — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Lateral/bank control-Capability exceeded
• — Personnel issues-Task performance-Inspection-Preflight inspection-Pilot
• — Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Flight control system-Gust lock or damper-Unintentional use/operation
• — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Pitch control-Attain/maintain not possible
• — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Lateral/bank control-Attain/maintain not possible