Probable cause
The operation of an airplane by a non-certificated pilot, and the pilot's loss of control during takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and spin.
NTSB analysis
The non-certificated pilot reported that during the initial climb after takeoff, he heard a loud “pop” and then the airplane began to shake. The pilot lost control of the airplane, which entered a spin and impacted terrain. The pilot reported a potential propeller defect; however, a postaccident examination did not detect any preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The source of the loud “pop” could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA407 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 29, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Evansville, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Skylane Airport (K3EV)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
HAWK SSC
- N-number
- N163F
- 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.