Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18-150 near Elizabethton, TN — 2011-10-07

Final reportERA12CA015
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Date
2011-10-07
Location
Elizabethton, TN, USA
Airport
0A9
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18-150
Registration
N3491Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

After an unremarkable preflight inspection and preflight engine run-up, the pilot, who was a friend of the pilot/part owner in the passenger seat, departed with a short-field technique and entered a steep climb. He then pushed forward on the flight control stick to lower the nose to a straight and level flight attitude; the airplane then began to sink. The pilot pushed the control stick forward to gain airspeed and ensured that the engine was at full power. The left wing dipped, followed by the right wing, which dropped sharply. The pilot applied full left rudder and full left aileron, and the right wing started to recover; however, there was insufficient altitude and the airplane impacted the ground. Witnesses stated that they observed the airplane take off and climb in about a 45-degree nose-high attitude. They further stated that, as the airplane gained altitude, it struggled to gain airspeed as it climbed to about 100 feet above ground level. The wings dipped and wobbled before the airplane struck the ground.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the takeoff when struggling to gain airspeed.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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