Amateur-built ZENITH STOL CH-701 N123XP accident near Hendersonville, North Carolina

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with trees.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he did not have any previous flight experience in the make and model airplane. During takeoff, the airplane lifted off with a nose high attitude and the wings were flying, but the tail was not. The airplane began to turn to the left and the pilot was unable to correct the deviation. The airplane then departed the runway and impacted trees, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA133 for the full record.