Pilot Debrief

Champion 7EC near Fayetteville, AR — 2019-03-24

Final reportGAA19CA177
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Date
2019-03-24
Location
Fayetteville, AR, USA
Aircraft
Champion 7EC
Registration
N815PB
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during takeoff as he attempted to avoid power lines, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the float-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff from a private lake, the float plane did not "climb as the day before." Upon reaching the end of the lake, he "pulled up hard" on the yoke to avoid power lines, but the "left wing [stalled]," and the float plane impacted the ground. The float plane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot added that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 190° at 12 knots, gusting to 21 knots. An automated weather observation station about 5 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 190° at 11 knots. The airplane departed the lake with a 180° heading.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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