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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

July 22, 2007 · Ryan ST3KR · N59220

Coldwater, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 22, 2007
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Coldwater, MI
Aircraft
Ryan ST3KR
Tail Number
N59220
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI07CA225

The airplane impacted terrain after takeoff from runway 16 (2,400 feet by 190 feet, turf). The pilot reported that they had stopped at the accident airport for fuel. At the time of their initial approach and landing, winds aloft were from the east; however, surface winds were from the west. They subsequently landed on runway 25 (5,350 feet by 75 feet, asphalt) without incident. The pilot stated that after fueling, surface winds had reversed direction. They were now from the east at 8 to 10 knots. He elected to use runway 16 for takeoff because he felt the airplane "handled better on grass." The pilot reported that when the airplane lifted off, it "felt light" and "loose controlled" so he lowered the nose in order to gain airspeed. He noted feeling a "slight bump or lift followed by a rapid drop of [the] left wing and nose." The airplane subsequently impacted the ground. Examination of the flight control system did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a pre-impact failure. Winds recorded by the departure airport Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) within 5 minutes of the accident were from 140 degrees at 4 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush condition. A contributing factor was the low altitude at the time of the inadvertent stall.

Full Narrative

The airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain after takeoff. The pilot sustained minor injuries and the passenger sustained serious injuries. The pilot reported that they had stopped at the accident airport for fuel. At the time of their initial approach and landing winds aloft were from the east, however surface winds were from the west. They subsequently landed on runway 25 (5,350 feet by 75 feet, asphalt) without incident. The pilot stated that after fueling surface winds had reversed direction. They were now from the east at 8 to 10 knots. He elected to use runway 16 (2,400 feet by 190 feet, turf) for takeoff because he felt the airplane "handled better on grass." The pilot reported that when the airplane lifted off, it "felt light" and "loose controlled" so he lowered the nose in order to gain airspeed. He noted feeling a "slight bump or lift followed by a rapid drop of [the] left wing and nose." The airplane subsequently impacted the ground. Examination of the flight control system did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a pre-impact failure. Winds recorded by the departure airport Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) within 5 minutes of the accident were from 140 degrees at 4 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 EDT
Nearest AirportBranch County (0nm)
Runway16
Runway Length2400 ft
Runway Width190 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRyan ST3KR
Tail NumberN59220
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsKinner · R-56 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter30.29 inHg
Observation Time14:57
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data