NTSB Factual Report

On January 18, 2018, about 1605 mountain standard time, a Tomlinson Tracy L Tukan experimental weight-shift aircraft, N907T, registered to a private individual, was substantially damaged when it collided with trees and the ground during approach to Erie Municipal Airport (ELK), Erie, Colorado. The student pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight originated from ELK about 1600.

A flight instructor flew the weight-shift aircraft with the student pilot and conducted seven landings and takeoffs. The aircraft was operating normally during the dual instructional flight. After the dual instruction, the aircraft was taxied back to a hangar where the instructor pilot explained single pilot operations to the student. The student pilot then took off solo and entered the landing pattern. The instructor pilot observed that the student seemed to lose control on his first final approach and executed a go-around. On the second approach, the instructor observed the aircraft on final. The aircraft collided with trees and the wing struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage.