Amateur-built 2+2 N540AK accident near Kodiak, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB analysis

Numerous witnesses reported that, shortly after takeoff, the airplane entered a steep right turn, the nose dropped, and the airplane entered a spiraling descent in a near-vertical attitude.

A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The damage to the airplane and surveillance video were consistent with a near-vertical descent indicative of an aerodynamic stall. Based on the available information, it is likely that the pilot failed to maintain sufficient airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC22FA005 for the full record.