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January 30, 2011 · Kolb Aircraft KOLB MARK III · N457A

Rutherfordton, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 30, 2011
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Rutherfordton, NC
Aircraft
Kolb Aircraft KOLB MARK III
Tail Number
N457A
Operator
Ronald Mckinney
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA11CA129

The pilot reported that he was practicing takeoffs and landings at his home airport. As he made a left turn over a hangar, a crosswind increased, and the airplane banked too steeply. The left wing subsequently stalled and the airplane was too low for the pilot to recover. The airplane impacted the ground near a hangar. A witness stated that shortly after takeoff, the airplane returned and made a low pass at the airport. He observed the airplane then fly low over the pilot's restaurant and subsequently stall/spin at low altitude. During the stall, the witness heard the engine noise increase to full power. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The recorded weather at the accident airport, about the time of the accident, included clear skies and calm wind.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude resulting in a stall/spin and ground impact.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he was practicing takeoffs and landings at his home airport. As he made a left turn over a hangar, a crosswind increased, and the airplane banked too steeply. The left wing subsequently stalled and the airplane was too low for the pilot to recover, before it impacted the ground near a hangar. A witness stated that shortly after takeoff, the accident airplane returned and "buzzed" the airport. The pilot then attempted to "buzz" his own restaurant, when the airplane stalled and spun at low altitude. During the stall, the witness heard the engine noise increase to full power. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The recorded weather at the accident airport, about the time of the accident, included clear skies and calm wind.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:45 EST
Nearest AirportRutherfordton (1nm)
Runway19
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftKolb Aircraft KOLB MARK III
Tail NumberN457A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRonald Mckinney
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 912S · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 61 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point28 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:42
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data