Pipistrel Doo Ajdovscina VIRUS SW N616NG accident near Weatherford, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to obtain adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot reported that, during departure for the planned local flight in a motorized glider, just as the nosewheel lifted off, a wind gust from the left pushed the motorized glider to the right. The pilot pulled back on the control stick to climb and simultaneously applied left rudder and aileron. The pilot added that the motorized glider became airborne, but the airspeed was insufficient, and it then entered a "stalled left spin."

An automated weather reporting facility located 7 nautical miles south of the accident site recorded that the wind was from 160°at 4 knots. The accident is consistent with the pilot failing to obtain adequate airspeed at takeoff, which resulted in the motorized glider entering an aerodynamic stall/spin immediately after takeoff.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN17LA182 for the full record.