Amateur-built TD N60JV accident near Wichita Falls, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s inexperience with the airplane and inadequate takeoff procedures, which led to exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall during takeoff.

NTSB analysis

The pilot purchased the experimental, amateur-built airplane on the morning of the accident. He was planning to fly the airplane to his home airport in a different state. That morning, the previous owner and the pilot reviewed the maintenance logbooks, airplane characteristics, checklists, and examined the airframe and engine. After a thorough review, they started the engine and completed a run-up. The previous owner offered to stay in the airplane so the pilot could practice taking off and landing. The pilot declined and the previous owner exited the airplane.

Witnesses observed the airplane align with the runway centerline and begin to accelerate. The pilot appeared to be making a 3-point takeoff with all the landing gear remaining on the runway surface. The airplane then became airborne at a slow speed and climbed to about 50-75 feet above ground level (agl). The airplane assumed a nose-high attitude and stalled as the left wing dropped down and collided with terrain adjacent to the runway; the airplane erupted into flames.

The 87-year-old pilot had over 20,000 hours of total flight experience but had never flown the accident airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR22FA311 for the full record.