Amateur-built CH701 N102PH accident near Salem, Oregon

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain lateral control during takeoff, which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to make his first flight in an airplane he unfamiliar with before waiting for calm winds.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, while taking off, the airplane "suddenly jumped" up about 30 ft with a nose-high attitude and rolled right. He corrected by applying left and forward inputs on the flight controls. The airplane then rolled left. Attempting to level the wings, he reduced power, and the airplane impacted terrain. The pilot further reported that it was his first flight in the experimental, amateur-built airplane and that he should have waited for calm winds before trying a first flight in an unfamiliar airplane. 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 GAA20CA053 for the full record.