Raytheon Aircraft Company A36 N629BE accident near Augusta, Georgia

Probable cause

The pilot’s excessive turn rate and bank angle while at low airspeed and altitude, resulting in an accelerated aerodynamic stall, loss of airplane control, and collision with terrain.

NTSB analysis

Shortly after takeoff on a cross-country flight in day visual meteorological conditions, the pilot initiated a sharp turn to the left with the landing gear extended and the flaps retracted. The turn appeared roughly consistent with an attempt to return to the airport; however, no distress calls were noted and the airport did not record the common traffic advisory frequency. The airplane reached a maximum altitude of 300 feet above the ground and a maximum calibrated airspeed of 90 kts. The airplane turned at more than twice the standard rate, reaching a calculated bank angle of 44° left wing low before it appeared to enter an accelerated aerodynamic stall. Sound spectrum analysis of surveillance video revealed the propeller was running at near maximum rpm at impact. The airplane impacted the ground in a residential neighborhood, was destroyed in a postaccident fire. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of a preexisting malfunction or failure. The reason for the pilot’s apparent return to the airport after departure could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24FA206 for the full record.