Amateur-built KR-2 RAND ROBINSON N40908 accident near Anaconda, Montana

Probable cause

The non-certificated pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed and aircraft control during initial climb resulting in a stall/spin.

NTSB analysis

The non-certificated pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, as the tail of the airplane lifted off the runway, the airplane “suddenly took off and went straight up.” He stated that the flight instructor pushed forward on the stick and the airplane subsequently rolled to the left and impacted the ground in a nose-low attitude. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the airplane’s fuselage, wings, and empennage were structurally damaged. The right seat seatbelt and shoulder harness were observed securely fastened and snug against the right seat. The left seatbelt and shoulder harness were found unlatched. The FAA inspector reported that the right seat and surrounding area was intact and exhibited no evidence of a person sitting in the right seat at the time of the accident. According to local law enforcement personnel, there were no reported local hospital admissions by a person being involved in an aircraft accident other than the pilot. Examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies with the aircraft flight control system.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09LA286 for the full record.