Pilot Debrief

Z-HI-MAX 1400 near Benton, PA — 2021-10-16

Final reportERA22LA018
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Date
2021-10-16
Location
Benton, PA, USA
Airport
PA40
Aircraft
Z-HI-MAX 1400
Registration
N668CL
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of control and encounter with an aerodynamic stall during a planned low-altitude turn toward the airport after takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot, who was flying the airplane for the first time, intended to takeoff and perform a teardrop turn, then land on the reciprocal runway. After starting the engine, he taxied to the end of the runway where he paused for some time before takeoff. During the initial climb, about 100 ft above ground level (agl), the airplane made a slow right turn, followed by a left turn that “just kept getting steeper” before the airplane descended and impacted the ground. The pilot did not recall most of the details of the flight; however, he did recall that at some point, the engine ran roughly and then lost power. Several witnesses reported that the engine sounded normal; however, one reported that the engine had briefly “missed” twice during takeoff. One witness reported hearing the engine RPM increase at the time of impact, suggesting that the engine was running at that time. Although a postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation, a review of weather records and a carburetor icing probability chart indicated the potential for serious icing at glide power. While carburetor icing is generally considered to be less likely a factor during takeoff power, the pilot’s pause (presumably at a low power setting) at the end of the runway before departure may have allowed ice to accumulate. Therefore, carburetor icing could not be ruled out as a possible contributing factor. However, based on the pilot’s recollection and the witness’ statements, the investigation was unable to determine if or when a loss of engine power occurred. Based on the witness’ description of the flight, the pilot lost control of the airplane while turning back toward the airport at a relatively low altitude. The wreckage path was confined to an area of about one wingspan, suggesting a near vertical flightpath angle. Given that the turn occurred about 100 ft agl, it is possible that the airplane was also at a relatively slow airspeed when the turn, loss of control, and subsequent aerodynamic stall occurred. Family members described the airplane’s handling characteristics as quick to roll into turns, and slow to roll out of them. A low airspeed may have exacerbated the pilot’s ability to level the wings after initiating the turn.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Perform carburetor heat check during engine run-up.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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