Amateur-built RANS S 7 N6271X accident near Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control on takeoff, which resulted in his remedial action to induce an aerodynamic stall and the subsequent impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The sport pilot reported that during taxi before taking off for the airshow, he was trying to get the airplane set up for takeoff. Shortly after he began his takeoff roll and as he rotated the airplane, the airplane's nose pitched up into a high attitude. He applied forward pressure to the control stick, and the airplane began to drift to the left. Because the left side of the runway was bordered with airshow spectators, the pilot made an abrupt turn to the right, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Subsequently, the airplane impacted terrain on the west side of the runway and sustained substantial damage to the wing struts and fuselage.

The pilot stated that he felt rushed and anxious given the number of airplanes trying to land and take off.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed flight control continuity, and no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions were identified that would have precluded normal operation. Although the aft baggage compartment contained 10 lbs of baggage more than the maximum limit, according to weight and balance calculations, the airplane's takeoff weight was below the maximum, and the aft center of gravity was within normal limits.

The pilot had been diagnosed with Crohn's disease, low back pain, insomnia, and Parkinson's disease and was taking sleep-inducing medications at the time of the accident. Given the circumstances of the accident and the pilot's ability to recall events including the crash itself, it is unlikely that he suffered a sudden period of sleep induced by the medications. Further, it could not be determined if the pilot's medical issues contributed to the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN16LA293 for the full record.