Champion 7GCAA N9588S accident near Bardwell, Kentucky

Probable cause

The failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed while maneuvering shortly after takeoff, resulting in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall, uncontrolled descent, and impact with the ground.

NTSB analysis

The pilot performed an engine run-up before takeoff, which included checking both magnetos; he noted that each decreased 75 rpm. He applied takeoff power, and, with the engine developing full red-line rpm, the airplane became airborne in about 500 to 600 feet. After becoming airborne, he levelled off the airplane to accelerate then began to climb, turning to a southwesterly direction. The airplane climbed to between 150 and 200 feet, and, after the pilot reduced power, the airplane began to descend. He reported that he then applied full power; the engine responded, but the airplane continued to descend. The airplane impacted a field and then nosed over; both occupants exited the airplane. The passenger reported that a wind from the right occurred before the airplane pitched nose down. The pilot indicated that there was no flight control or engine issue, which was confirmed by the passenger. Although the pilot and passenger both reported an event associated with the wind that caused the airplane to descend, the nose-down pitch attitude described by the passenger was consistent with an aerodynamic stall/mush.

Immediately after the accident, the pilot was taken to a hospital for treatment. Attending medical professionals and a law enforcement officer reported that, while there, he smelled of alcohol; however, the pilot left the hospital before toxicology testing could be performed. Therefore, no determination could be made whether the pilot was impaired by alcohol at the time of the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA14LA222 for the full record.