Amateur-built Teenie Two N311TS accident near Chehalis, Washington

Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to take off with the airplane over its maximum allowable gross weight, which degraded its climb performance and led to a subsequent off airport landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he filled his fuel tanks to full, for the first time since purchasing the airplane, to conduct a flight test to calculate fuel burn rate. A weight and balance calculation provided by the pilot showed that the airplane was over the maximum gross weight by about 25 lbs. During takeoff initial climb, he observed that the airplane was not climbing as he expected and realized he would not be able to clear the trees or powerlines ahead of his position. The pilot initiated a forced landing to a grass covered field, however, during the approach, he observed that the landing distance available was too short and landed with a side slip to arrest the airplane’s forward movement. Subsequently, the airplane landed hard, which resulted in substantial damage to wings and fuselage.

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

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA308 for the full record.