Pilot Debrief

EVANS ROBERT W SR PEGAZAIR 100 near Maysville, NC — 2011-08-17

Final reportERA11LA459
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Date
2011-08-17
Location
Maysville, NC, USA
Aircraft
EVANS ROBERT W SR PEGAZAIR 100
Registration
N523RE
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during initial takeoff climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot was making his first takeoff in his experimental light sport airplane and had the flaperons extended. He added power, and the tail of the airplane came off the ground quicker than he expected. The airplane became airborne at 30 mph in a nose-high attitude. He stated that the airplane stalled, rotated 180 degrees, and collided with the ground. The student pilot stated that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane and that he did not have a tailwheel endorsement or training in tailwheel airplanes. Review of the manufacturer's specifications revealed that the airplane will stall at 28 mph. Postaccident examination of the airframe, flight controls, engine assembly, and accessories revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have received training for tail wheel airplanes before attempting takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents15

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