This July 2010 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Zenith CH601 Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious. Location: Kapowsin, Wash. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: A family member reported that the pilot had purchased the airplane about a month before the accident. He had been conducting taxi tests but no flights until the day of the accident.
According to witnesses, the airplane used most of the runway to takeoff. After liftoff, it was at a high angle-of-attack and not climbing very fast. The pilot-rated passenger reported that the airplane attained an altitude of approximately 700 feet AGL then stalled and crashed.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall and loss of control during the initial climb.
For more information: NTSB.gov. NTSB Identification: WPR10FA373
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