HK36R SUPER DIMONA N63RK accident near Winsted, Minnesota

Probable cause

The pilot did not maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB analysis

While on a visual approach to the runway, the pilot elected to perform a 360-degree turn at low altitude under idle engine power to allow for spacing between his airplane and an airplane near the runway. The passenger reported that, after completing the 360-turn, the pilot said something like "oh, oh," and then the pilot pitched the airplane's nose down, consistent with a recovery maneuver from an aerodynamic stall. The airplane impacted terrain short of the runway, and the passenger could not recall if the pilot applied engine power prior to the impact. The airplane's structure remained fairly intact, consistent with a low angle of impact. There was no evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA623 for the full record.