Amateur-built SD1 MINISPORT N72DX accident near Butler, Ohio

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a partial loss of engine power, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain. The reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined based on available information.

NTSB analysis

A line of trees paralleled the runway on the southwest side, and a cornfield was on the northeast side. As the pilot taxied to the end of runway 13, he noted a significant crosswind from over the tree line. After a normal runup, he increased to full power. Immediately after the airplane lifted off the ground, it drifted to the right over the cornfield. The airplane “seemed to have too little power to climb” and the airplane stalled, touching down in the field. The left main landing gear separated, and the airplane spun to a stop. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed a crack in the pressure vacuum line; however, it could not be determined whether the crack could have caused a reduction in engine power.

The circumstances of the accident are consistent with the pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a partial loss of engine power during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA288 for the full record.