Pilot Debrief

MORRIS BRADLEY D ZENITH STOL CH-701 near Hendersonville, NC — 2026-03-01

Final reportERA26LA133
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Date
2026-03-01
Location
Hendersonville, NC, USA
Airport
8NC9
Aircraft
MORRIS BRADLEY D ZENITH STOL CH-701
Registration
N123XP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with trees.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he did not have any previous flight experience in the make and model airplane. During takeoff, the airplane lifted off with a nose high attitude and the wings were flying, but the tail was not. The airplane began to turn to the left and the pilot was unable to correct the deviation. The airplane then departed the runway and impacted trees, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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