Pilot Debrief

HROSIK GENE AVENTURA II near Crescent City, FL — 2011-03-29

Final reportERA11LA228
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Date
2011-03-29
Location
Crescent City, FL, USA
Airport
2FA5
Aircraft
HROSIK GENE AVENTURA II
Registration
N5842
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during climb after takeoff, resulting in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that he conducted the preflight, engine start, taxi, and takeoff, with no anomalies noted. The pilot described a full-power takeoff at 5,800 rpm and a rotation speed of 48 mph, and then he lowered the nose of the airplane to climb out at 60 mph. As the airplane reached treetop height, the left wing dipped due to turbulence over the trees, and the pilot perceived a loss of engine power. The pilot said he again lowered the nose to gain airspeed, but the airplane nosed over and struck trees, the ground, and a fence. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no pre-impact mechanical anomalies. There was no checklist for the airplane, no placarded V-speeds in the cockpit, and no color-coded airspeed range markings on the airspeed indicator. According to the airplane kit’s manufacturer, the airplane’s rotation speed was 60 mph and the standard climb speed was 65 mph. The stall speed for the airplane was approximately 44 mph with the flaps retracted, depending on the airplane’s weight and the builders' modifications.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff when turbulence was encountered.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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