NELSEN LYNN H LIGHTNING near Frostproof, FL — 2011-08-05

Probable cause

The pilot's premature rotation during takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the experimental, amateur-built airplane was departing from a turf runway. He reported that as he passed his normal rotation point on the runway, he rotated the airplane without verifying his airspeed, which resulted in the airplane becoming airborne prematurely. The airplane rotated, rolled to the left, impacted a light pole, and came to rest inverted. Substantial damage was sustained to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane prior to the accident.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control in flight · Takeoff
• Loss of Control on Takeoff/Initial Climb

Evidence available

• Photos
• 3 docket documents

Docket documents3

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 - Pilot/ownerform
• Bartow Weatherother
• Photo: Airplane At Rest in a Field (Courtesy of the FAA)photos

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