Amateur-built S-7 N272X accident near Gerlach, Nevada

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain pitch and airspeed control, in conjunction with full flaps, while maneuvering at a low altitude, resulting in a tail-stall and subsequent impact with the ground.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot, while flying in a high desert valley, he intended to perform a low pass over a remote airstrip to assess its suitability for landing in the future. The pilot reported that prior to the pass, he slowed the airplane and added full flaps. He said that in this airplane configuration, following a left turn, the "flight controls in pitch became loose as if the tail stalled," and right afterward "the nose pitched down." He reported that he added power, and that his sensation was "that the plane was flying but being pushed to the ground with no feedback from the elevator." The pilot reported that as he approached the ground, he applied back pressure but the airplane impacted the ground hard. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies prior, to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation.

It is likely that the airplane's configuration in conjunction with the reduced airspeed induced a tail stall pitching the nose down, due to the absence of tail-down force.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA026 for the full record.