Pilot Debrief

VANS RV7 near Mayfield, KY — 2021-02-22

Final reportERA21FA135
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Date
2021-02-22
Location
Mayfield, KY, USA
Airport
M25
Aircraft
VANS RV7
Registration
N383DB
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, loss of airplane control, and subsequent impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot was conducting touch-and-go landings in the experimental, amateur-built airplane. A witness stated that, during the departure climb, “as the airplane went higher…the tail dropped, and the plane went into a back flip.” The witness then observed the airplane come out of the “flip” and descend “nose first” toward the ground. The airplane subsequently impacted terrain north of the departure airport. Another witness reported that he observed the airplane climbing at a high angle of attack during the takeoff. Postaccident examination of the accident site revealed that the wreckage was confined to a small area, which was consistent with a near-vertical impact. The wings showed symmetrical accordion-like crushing damage. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies. According to the available evidence for this accident, the pilot likely exceeded the airplane’s critical angle of attack and entered an aerodynamic stall, resulting in the pilot’s loss of airplane control and the airplane’s subsequent impact with terrain.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have reduced angle of attack to maintain control during climb.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 10 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents10

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