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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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April 18, 2025 · Frank Lowell C Pietenpol · N497AR

Taylorsville, NC

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 18, 2025
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Taylorsville, NC
Aircraft
Frank Lowell C Pietenpol (1999)
Tail Number
N497AR
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA25LA183

The pilot reported that the winds were calm during approach, but as the airplane arrived on final approach to land, the wind velocity increased significantly and changed direction. After feeling a strong tailwind, the pilot attempted to perform a go-around and turned the airplane to the right to avoid powerlines and trees. After leveling the airplane’s wings, and while at a height of about 20 ft above the ground, another tailwind gust struck the airplane and the right wing encountered an aerodynamic stall. The airplane’s right wing and nose subsequently impacted the ground before coming to rest in a nearly vertical attitude. The airplane’s wings and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during an attempted go around in gusty tailwind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that the winds were calm during approach, but as the airplane arrived on final approach to land, the wind velocity increased significantly and changed direction. After feeling a strong tailwind, the pilot attempted to perform a go-around and turned the airplane to the right to avoid powerlines and trees. After leveling the airplane’s wings, and while at a height of about 20 ft above the ground, another tailwind gust struck the airplane and the right wing encountered an aerodynamic stall. The airplane’s right wing and nose subsequently impacted the ground before coming to rest in a nearly vertical attitude. The airplane’s wings and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:52 EDT
Nearest AirportCrossroads Grill Airstrip (1nm ESE)
Runway09
Runway Length1500 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftFrank Lowell C Pietenpol
Tail NumberN497AR
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200-A · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 74 · Sprt · Minor
Crew 2Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 14 kt, gusting 24 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 F
Altimeter30.24 inHg
Observation Time12:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data