Amateur-built AVID FLYER N532SE accident near Reedsville, Pennsylvania

Probable cause

The sport pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.

NTSB analysis

The sport pilot, who was also the owner of the experimental, amateur-built, tailwheel airplane, stated that he was demonstrating maneuvers for the purpose of developing his brother's familiarity with the make and model airplane. The sport pilot's brother was a pilot-rated passenger, was seated in the right seat, and had not previously flown the make and model airplane. After completing about 1 hour of maneuvers, the sport pilot's brother attempted to take off in calm wind. During the takeoff roll, as the tail became airborne, the airplane began to swerve. The sport pilot's brother overcorrected for the swerve, and the airplane departed the right side of the runway. The sport pilot attempted to regain control and climb over obstacles, but the airplane stalled and impacted a field. Examination of the wreckage revealed damage to both wings and the fuselage. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were observed, nor did the pilots report any.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA17CA177 for the full record.