Probable cause
The non-certificated pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, uncontrolled descent, and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of training and flight experience in the accident airplane.
NTSB analysis
The non-certificated pilot stated that when he took off in his airplane, it began to turn to the left. He was unable to stop the turn and the airplane stalled and impacted the ground. The pilot said that he just purchased the airplane and this was his first flight. He had not received any training in the airplane prior to the flight and had not received any recent flight instruction in any aircraft. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no pre-mishap mechanical discrepancies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA15CA229 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 22, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lebanon, Tennessee
- Nearest airport
- Lebanon Municipal (M54)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
CHALLENGER II
- N-number
- N8547W
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2004
- 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.