The Pilot Did Not Have Any Pilot Certificates Or Ratings

Location: Columbus, NE Accident Number: CEN24LA332
Date & Time: September 2, 2024, 12:15 Local Registration: N223CL
Aircraft: Apex Cross-5X Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On September 2, 2024, about 1215 central standard time, an Apex Cross-5X weight shift trike, N223CL, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Columbus, Nebraska. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The trike was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations part 91 personal flight.

Witnesses saw the trike takeoff from a rural field near the pilot’s residence. Another pilot was flying another trike nearby and was providing guidance via radio to the accident pilot. He witnessed the accident trike become inverted and impact the garage of a residence.

The trike wreckage was transported to a secure municipal facility for examination. According to the previous owner, the pilot just purchased the trike on August 15, 2024. According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the pilot did not have any pilot certificates or ratings.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov