Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that as the airplane was climbing he started a turn and experienced slow aileron response. He stated that he encountered a gust of wind that lowered the left wing. The pilot reduced engine power and the ailerons were still not responsive. He then added engine power and attempted to level the airplane. The pilot was unable to recover the airplane from an unrecognized stall and flew the airplane into the ground where its fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot indicated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane during the flight.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA667 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 25, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lemars, Iowa
- Nearest airport
- Le Mars Municipal Airport (LRJ)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built TANDEM ROCKET
- N-number
- N29RT
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.