Flightstar Inc FLIGHTSTAR II SC N6116U accident near Russell, Pennsylvania

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed and exceeded the airplane’s critical angle of attack while attempting to climb over trees, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of airplane control.

NTSB analysis

The non-certificated pilot and his passenger lifted off about halfway down the 1,650 ft grass runway. During the initial climb, the airplane drifted to the left without gaining sufficient altitude to clear trees bordering the left side of the runway. As they approached the trees, the pilot increased the pitch attitude to clear them; in doing so, the airspeed degraded below the stall speed of 31 knots while simultaneously striking the tree branches. The airplane then descended and impacted terrain.

A postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. Engine sounds recorded on a wing-mounted video camera revealed the engine was operating normally during the entire flight. The debris path and impact signatures were consistent with an aerodynamic stall.

Based on the evidence, the pilot turned towards the trees after takeoff and made a decision to fly over them. However, in doing so he exceeded the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. The investigation identified no issues that would have affected the airplane’s climb performance.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA312 for the full record.