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NTSB Report

August 4, 2018 · Rans S7 S · N8443B

Kenai, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 4, 2018
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Kenai, AK
Aircraft
Rans S7 S (2006)
Tail Number
N8443B
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA469

The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the takeoff roll about 40 knots airspeed with full flaps and about 50% of the 900-ft-long runway remaining, the airplane lifted off and began to climb. The airplane climbed above the tree line but then descended into ground effect. The pilot attempted to clear the trees ahead, but the airplane stalled. The left wing dropped, and the airplane descended below the tree line and touched down on the main landing gear, collided with trees, and then came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing lift struts. The pilot reported that he could have used the additional runway surface and held the airplane on the ground to achieve a more desirable airspeed. Additionally, the Pilot’s Operating Handbook stated not to use full flap application during short-field takeoffs. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's climb capability due to his use of full flaps during a short-field takeoff, his failure to attain a positive climb rate after takeoff, and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Full Narrative

The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the takeoff roll about 40 knots airspeed, with full flaps and about 50 percent of the 900ft runway remaining, the airplane lifted off and began to climb. The airplane climbed above the tree line but then descended into ground effect. The pilot attempted to clear the trees ahead, but the airplane stalled. The left wing dropped, and the airplane descended below the tree line and touched down on the main landing gear but collided with trees and it came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing lift struts. The pilot reported that he could have utilized the additional runway surface and held the airplane on the ground to achieve a more desirable airspeed. Additionally, the pilot operating handbook does not suggest the use of full flap application during short-field takeoffs. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 AKDT
Nearest AirportPrivate Airstrip (0nm)
Runway27
Runway Length900 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRans S7 S
Tail NumberN8443B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 912S · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 62 · Sprt · None
Crew 2None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 54
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time23:44
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data