Gulfstream American Corp. AA-5A N26975 accident near Lewisburg, Tennessee

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for an undetermined reason during the initial climb, and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while attempting to return to the airport resulting in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the accident flight was the airplane's first flight since completion of an annual inspection. He performed a preflight inspection and engine run-up, and reported that all gauges were "in the green." During the takeoff roll, the pilot stated that the engine felt "strong." The airplane rotated normally; however, at an altitude of 150 feet above ground level (agl), the engine began to sputter and lose power. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot began a turn back to the runway. During the turn the airplane entered a stall/spin and collided with terrain at the end of the runway. A witness observed a trail of black smoke coming from the airplane's exhaust during the takeoff sequence. Postaccident examination of the engine and carburetor did not reveal the cause for the loss of power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for NYC08LA185 for the full record.