Amateur-built PEGAZAIR 100 N523RE accident near Maysville, North Carolina

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during initial takeoff climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot was making his first takeoff in his experimental light sport airplane and had the flaperons extended. He added power, and the tail of the airplane came off the ground quicker than he expected. The airplane became airborne at 30 mph in a nose-high attitude. He stated that the airplane stalled, rotated 180 degrees, and collided with the ground. The student pilot stated that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane and that he did not have a tailwheel endorsement or training in tailwheel airplanes. Review of the manufacturer's specifications revealed that the airplane will stall at 28 mph. Postaccident examination of the airframe, flight controls, engine assembly, and accessories revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11LA459 for the full record.