Probable cause
The non-certificated pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and a subsequent impact with the ground. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's lack of training and his impairment due to recent use of marijuana.
NTSB analysis
While teaching himself to fly, the non-certificated pilot stalled the airplane, which then impacted the ground in a 60-degree, nose-down attitude. Postcrash examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical anomalies. Toxicological testing revealed that the pilot was likely under the influence of marijuana at the time of the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09LA019 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 16, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Rock Hill, South Carolina
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Sky Ranger II
- N-number
- N75684
- 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.