Pilot Debrief

Carlton M. Cadwell Lancair IV-P near Mesa, AZ — 2008-04-23

Final reportLAX08FA122
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Date
2008-04-23
Location
Mesa, AZ, USA
Airport
FFZ
Aircraft
Carlton M. Cadwell Lancair IV-P
Registration
N25CL
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
3
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during climb out resulting in an aerodynamic stall/spin.

NTSB narrative

Air traffic controllers reported that shortly after takeoff, about the time the landing gear was being retracted, they observed smoke trailing from the airplane. The controller advised the pilot of the smoke, but did not receive a response. Additional witnesses reported that the airplane made an abrupt climbing left turn with the wings rocking back and forth before it nosed down and descended in a near-vertical attitude to ground impact. All flight control surfaces were accounted for at the accident site and all airplane components were found in the immediate area of the impact location. Due to fire and thermal damage to the majority of the composite airframe structure, establishment of control continuity was not possible. Teardown inspection of the engine did not disclose any evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction. Investigators were unable to determine the cause or origin of the reported smoke during departure.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff upon noticing smoke trailing from the airplane.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 14 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents14

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