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October 11, 2003 · Avions Max Holste MH 1521 Broussard · N239HL

El Cajon, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 11, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
El Cajon, CA
Aircraft
Avions Max Holste MH 1521 Broussard
Tail Number
N239HL
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX04CA010

The airplane stalled during the takeoff initial climb. After an expedited takeoff and 3 seconds into the takeoff roll, the pilot applied forward stick to raise the tail. After 5 seconds, the tail was still on the ground. He then moved his left hand to the stick so that he could use his right hand to apply nose down trim. However, before he could apply it and prior to attaining takeoff airspeed, the airplane ballooned about 8 feet into the air. As it recontacted the ground, the airplane bounced and the right wing stalled. The right wing impacted the ground, followed by the left main gear, and then the left wing tip. The propeller contacted the ground as the left main gear hit, and the engine stopped. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane. The pilot reported that he took off prior to reaching takeoff airspeed and stalled the airplane. He felt that additional nose down trim could have prevented the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's premature liftoff and his failure to attain an adequate takeoff airspeed, which resulted in a stall. The pilot's failure to correctly set the pitch trim before takeoff was a factor.

Full Narrative

On October 11, 2003, about 1145 Pacific daylight time, an Avions Max Holste MH 1521 Broussard, N239HL, stalled during takeoff from Gillespie Field (SEE), El Cajon, California. The pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and three passengers were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules flight plan had been filed. The personal flight, en route to San Felipe, Mexico, was originating at the time of the accident. In a written statement the pilot reported that he was number 3 for takeoff, with seven airplanes waiting behind him. He did an expedited takeoff, rather than his usual takeoff procedures of lining up on the centerline and releasing the brakes after reaching 2,500 rpm. The initial takeoff roll was normal. After approximately 3 seconds, the pilot applied forward stick to raise the tail. After 5 seconds, the tail was still on the ground. He then moved his left hand to the stick so that he could use his right hand to apply nose down trim. However, before he could apply it, the airplane ballooned about 8 feet into the air. As it recontacted the ground, the airplane bounced, and the right wing stalled. The right wing impacted the ground, followed by the left main gear, and then the left wing tip. The propeller contacted the ground as the left main gear hit, and the engine stopped. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane and reported that "additional nose down trim" could have prevented the accident. In a telephone conversation, the pilot reported that he took off prior to reaching takeoff airspeed and stalled the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:45 PDT
Nearest AirportGillespie (0nm)
Runway27
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftAvions Max Holste MH 1521 Broussard
Tail NumberN239HL
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · 985 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

Appendix: Source Data