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October 7, 2011 · Piper PA-18-150 · N3491Z

Elizabethton, TN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 7, 2011
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Elizabethton, TN
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-150
Tail Number
N3491Z
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA12CA015

After an unremarkable preflight inspection and preflight engine run-up, the pilot, who was a friend of the pilot/part owner in the passenger seat, departed with a short-field technique and entered a steep climb. He then pushed forward on the flight control stick to lower the nose to a straight and level flight attitude; the airplane then began to sink. The pilot pushed the control stick forward to gain airspeed and ensured that the engine was at full power. The left wing dipped, followed by the right wing, which dropped sharply. The pilot applied full left rudder and full left aileron, and the right wing started to recover; however, there was insufficient altitude and the airplane impacted the ground. Witnesses stated that they observed the airplane take off and climb in about a 45-degree nose-high attitude. They further stated that, as the airplane gained altitude, it struggled to gain airspeed as it climbed to about 100 feet above ground level. The wings dipped and wobbled before the airplane struck the ground.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Full Narrative

The pilot/part owner of the airplane decided to go fly with a pilot friend The preflight inspection and preflight ground run up check went unremarkable. The pilot elected to let the friend fly the airplane. The pilot flying stated that they departed with a short field technique climbing up to 150 feet above ground level (agl). He pushed forward on the flight control stick to lower the nose to a straight and level flight attitude. The airplane began to sink upon completion of the pushover maneuver. He pushed the control stick forward to gain airspeed; throttle at full engine power. The left wing dipped followed by the ring wing, which dropped off sharply. He applied full left rudder and full left aileron, the right wing started to recover; however, there was insufficient altitude and the airplane impacted the ground. Ground witnesses stated that they observe the airplane takeoff and climb in about a 45 degrees nose high attitude. As it gained altitude it struggled to gain airspeed. At its highest point of the climb, about 100 feet agl, the wings dipped to the right and then left; wobbling. The airplane began to nose down toward the right in a steep angle. The wings wobbled again. The nose of the airplane started to rise just before the right wing tip contacted the ground. The airplane then spun 180 degrees coming to a full stop on its right side.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:15 EDT
Nearest AirportElizabethton Municipal (0nm)
Runway06
Runway Length4529 ft
Runway Width70 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18-150
Tail NumberN3491Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 62 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time22:45
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data