Taylorcraft DCO-65 N46089 accident near Americus, Indiana

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB analysis

Prior to the local flight, the pilot performed a preflight inspection and fueled the airplane with three gallons in each wing fuel tank. The passenger reported that the takeoff and flight were normal. During the return flight to the departure airport, the airplane stalled and descended into wooded terrain resulting in substantial damage. The airplane impacted several trees and came to rest in a nose down vertical attitude. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed the forward fuselage was crushed, the wings were bent and buckled, and the engine was partially separated. Flight control continuity was established to all flight control surfaces. There was no evidence of mechanical malfunction or failure with the engine or airframe.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA194 for the full record.