Amateur-built RANS S 7 N347DS accident near Somerville, Tennessee

Probable cause

The pilot's incapacitation due to a ruptured berry aneurysm during takeoff.

NTSB analysis

A witness reported that, during takeoff, the airplane became airborne about 300 feet down the turf runway. It then drifted right towards the trees, abruptly banked left, and oscillated about its roll axis. The airplane subsequently pitched up sharply to an angle of 45 degrees or more, followed by a stall and nose-down descent into the runway. According to the witness, the engine ran continuously during the impact sequence. Postaccident examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The sport pilot's autopsy report noted an acute rupture of a berry aneurysm, which most likely incapacitated him during the takeoff. The pilot's most recent Federal Aviation Administration third-class medical certificate was issued more than 4 years before the accident; however, as a sport pilot, he was not required to hold a current medical certificate, and, additionally, a more recent similar medical examination would likely not have detected the aneurysm.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12FA107 for the full record.