Trick Trikes STSS accident near Wanamingo, Minnesota, August 26, 2012
On August 26, 2012 at about 8:35 pm local time, a Trick Trikes STSS (weight-shift aircraft), registered N5152E, was substantially damaged in an accident during maneuvering near Wanamingo, Minnesota (Cherry Grove airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 2 people had minor injuries. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- August 26, 2012 · about 8:35 pm local time
- Place
- Wanamingo, Minnesota · Cherry Grove · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 2 people had minor injuries.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Trick Trikes STSS
- Registration
- N5152E · no longer on the register · serial STSS002
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The pilot reported that he had completed one low approach in the weight-shift-controlled airplane and was making a second low approach at a slower speed and lower altitude. As the airplane started to climb after the low approach, the passenger asked the pilot if the airplane could be maneuvered to the left to avoid trees on the right side. The pilot stated that he began a turn to the left, and the airplane lost lift and speed. He attempted to recover, but the airplane struck a corn crop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wing. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He stated that the accident was avoidable and was due to pilot error.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Loss of control in flight during maneuvering defining event
- Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during maneuvering
The NTSB's findings
- cause Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability › Performance/control parameters › Airspeed › Not attained/maintained
- cause Personnel issues › Action/decision › Action › Incorrect action performance › Pilot
Pilot
- Certificate: sport pilot
- Ratings: rotorcraft: powered-lift
- Flight time: 388 hours in all; 182 in this make and model; 23 in the last 90 days; 8 in the last 30 days; 341 as pilot in command
- Last flight review: November 20, 2011
- Medical certificate: Sport Pilot
- Seat: frt
- Injury: serious injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 205 hours
- Last inspection: condition inspection, August 28, 2011
- Seats: 2
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Suzuki G1388 (piston); 0 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: SGS South St Paul MN at 8:00 pm
- Destination: PVT Wanamingo MN
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 31
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 260° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 81°F (27°C), dew point 0°F (-18°C)
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 | |||
| Passengers | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), has not been read from the NTSB for this case yet; the list appears here once it has. Open the docket at the NTSB.
Other NTSB records under N5152E the same tail number, which may have belonged to a different aircraft at the time
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.