Amateur-built CHRISTEN EAGLE II N109BX accident near Gainesville, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while turning from base leg to final approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and collision with the ground.

NTSB analysis

According to tower air traffic controller statements, the pilot completed the right downwind leg of the traffic pattern, then flew a short base leg. As the airplane began turning on to the final approach, about 100 feet above the ground, the airplane yawed, rolled right, and nosed down into the ground. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The pilot could not recall the events that transpired during the accident sequence. A subsequent examination of the wreckage performed by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector found no preexisting mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA195 for the full record.