Amateur-built AVENTURA II N5842 accident near Crescent City, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during climb after takeoff, resulting in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that he conducted the preflight, engine start, taxi, and takeoff, with no anomalies noted. The pilot described a full-power takeoff at 5,800 rpm and a rotation speed of 48 mph, and then he lowered the nose of the airplane to climb out at 60 mph. As the airplane reached treetop height, the left wing dipped due to turbulence over the trees, and the pilot perceived a loss of engine power. The pilot said he again lowered the nose to gain airspeed, but the airplane nosed over and struck trees, the ground, and a fence. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no pre-impact mechanical anomalies. There was no checklist for the airplane, no placarded V-speeds in the cockpit, and no color-coded airspeed range markings on the airspeed indicator. According to the airplane kit’s manufacturer, the airplane’s rotation speed was 60 mph and the standard climb speed was 65 mph. The stall speed for the airplane was approximately 44 mph with the flaps retracted, depending on the airplane’s weight and the builders' modifications.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11LA228 for the full record.