Evolution Revo LSA Fatal Plane Crash – Episode 294

Spotlight on the September 2024 fatal crash involving an Evolution Revo light sport weight shift aircraft (LSA). A CFI and student pilot were killed when the aircraft’s wings folded and it entered a steep dive.

Todd Curtis and John Goglia explore questions not answered in the recently released NTSB report. How or why did the CFI miss the checklist item to attach a key support cable? Had the aircraft recently been transported? Was work done on the aircraft?

The aircraft uses hang-glider-like wings for lift. It relies on moving a control bar to shift the center of gravity and change the shape of the wing and does not rely on traditional flight control surfaces. Despite his extensive experience with the aircraft, the CFI did not properly attach a key support cable called a haul back cable.

LSA rules will change in 2025 and 2026, including allowing pilots with an LSA certification to fly larger aircraft like the Cessna 172.

Resources:

NTSB Aviation Investigation Final Report ERA24FA395

Public Docket – NTSB Aviation Investigation Final Report ERA24FA395

Weight-Shift Control Aircraft Flying Handbook

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