Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA20CA064

Huntsville, AR, USA

Aircraft #1

N24EP

New Glasair SPORTSMAN GS-2

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll from a wet, turf runway, the airplane encountered mud and veered left. He applied aft pressure to the stick, and the airplane climbed into ground effect. The pilot pulled up and attempted to climb out of ground effect, but the airplane descended and impacted trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll from a wet turf runway, the airplane encountered mud, and veered left. He applied aft pressure to the stick and the airplane climbed into ground-effect. The pilot "pulled up" and attempted to climb out of ground effect, but the airplane descended and collided with trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain proper pitch control during takeoff from a muddy, turf runway and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during the initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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