Pilot Debrief

Cruz SE5A Replica near Phoenix, AZ — 2009-10-09

Final reportWPR10LA010
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Date
2009-10-09
Location
Phoenix, AZ, USA
Airport
DVT
Aircraft
Cruz SE5A Replica
Registration
N3944U
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during initial climb, which resulted in a stall/spin and impact with the ground.

NTSB narrative

During the initial climb after takeoff, witnesses observed the airplane make a right turn and then enter into a nose down spin before impacting a scrap metal yard where it was subsequently consumed by a postimpact fire. Witnesses further reported that the engine sounded smooth and was producing power akin to takeoff power. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors responded to the site and were able to identify all of the hardware for the flight controls. A postaccident engine inspection revealed no mechanical difficulties that would have precluded normal operation. The owner of the airplane reported that this was the pilot's first flight in the airplane.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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