Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during low-altitude maneuvering flight.
NTSB analysis
The non-certificated pilot stated that he was making low passes over a river while looking down at people who were on the river. After looking up, the pilot noticed that he was approaching the tree tops, added engine power, and raised the airplane's nose in order to avoid the trees. He stated that the airplane stalled and impacted the tree tops, after which it nosed over and fell about 50 feet to the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA337 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 11, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kingston, Georgia
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Flightstar FLIGHTSTAR II-SL
- N-number
- N533BK
- 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.