Amateur-built Space Walker II N1778 accident near Devine, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was conducting a personal fight over his private airstrip when the airplane collided with trees while in a descent to make a low pass over the runway. The forward fuselage and left wing sustained substantial damage during the accident.

The pilot does not recall the final portion of the flight besides a brief memory of the airplane descending toward trees in a 90° nose-down pitch attitude. The pilot does not recall if the airplane had any mechanical malfunctions during the flight. A witness reported hearing a reduction in engine power shortly before the accident; however, based on the pilot’s statement, it is likely that he had reduced engine power to descend toward the runway for a low pass.

Additionally, an examination of the airplane and its engine did not reveal any evidence of mechanical malfunction that would have precluded normal operation. Based upon the pilot’s recollection that the airplane was in a vertical nose-down descent, it is likely the airplane exceeded its critical angle of attack while maneuvering near the runway, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and collision with trees and terrain.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN19LA087 for the full record.