Pilot Debrief

VINING SD1 MINISPORT near Butler, OH — 2021-06-23

Final reportCEN21LA288
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Date
2021-06-23
Location
Butler, OH, USA
Airport
0OH5
Aircraft
VINING SD1 MINISPORT
Registration
N72DX
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a partial loss of engine power, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain. The reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined based on available information.

NTSB narrative

A line of trees paralleled the runway on the southwest side, and a cornfield was on the northeast side. As the pilot taxied to the end of runway 13, he noted a significant crosswind from over the tree line. After a normal runup, he increased to full power. Immediately after the airplane lifted off the ground, it drifted to the right over the cornfield. The airplane “seemed to have too little power to climb” and the airplane stalled, touching down in the field. The left main landing gear separated, and the airplane spun to a stop. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed a crack in the pressure vacuum line; however, it could not be determined whether the crack could have caused a reduction in engine power. The circumstances of the accident are consistent with the pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a partial loss of engine power during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff due to crosswind and perceived power issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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