Pilot Debrief

FLIGHTSTAR INC FLIGHTSTAR II SC near Russell, PA — 2022-07-14

Final reportERA22LA312
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Date
2022-07-14
Location
Russell, PA, USA
Airport
5PA6
Aircraft
FLIGHTSTAR INC FLIGHTSTAR II SC
Registration
N6116U
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed and exceeded the airplane’s critical angle of attack while attempting to climb over trees, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of airplane control.

NTSB narrative

The non-certificated pilot and his passenger lifted off about halfway down the 1,650 ft grass runway. During the initial climb, the airplane drifted to the left without gaining sufficient altitude to clear trees bordering the left side of the runway. As they approached the trees, the pilot increased the pitch attitude to clear them; in doing so, the airspeed degraded below the stall speed of 31 knots while simultaneously striking the tree branches. The airplane then descended and impacted terrain. A postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. Engine sounds recorded on a wing-mounted video camera revealed the engine was operating normally during the entire flight. The debris path and impact signatures were consistent with an aerodynamic stall. Based on the evidence, the pilot turned towards the trees after takeoff and made a decision to fly over them. However, in doing so he exceeded the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. The investigation identified no issues that would have affected the airplane’s climb performance.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff before hitting trees.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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