Amateur-built AVID N987TW accident near York, South Carolina

Probable cause

The pilot's inadvertent reduction of power during the initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the pilot’s inadvertent reduction of power was his lack of experience with his left hand on the control stick and right hand on the throttle.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he was transitioning to a new airplane. He stated that, during takeoff, it was the first time with his left hand on the control stick and right hand on the throttle. About 10 ft above the runway, he intended to pitch the nose up to initiate a climb. However, he inadvertently pulled back on the throttle control with his right hand. The airspeed decreased, the left wing aerodynamically stalled, and the airplane impacted an adjacent corn field.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA416 for the full record.