What happened
The pilot initiated takeoff heading south, aligning with the wind direction. Shortly after leaving the ground, he executed a turn toward the west to avoid obstacles in the form of trees. At an altitude of approximately 150 feet, the pilot noted that the aircraft's ability to climb had significantly deteriorated. In response, he attempted to turn back into the wind. During this maneuver, the nose of the aircraft dropped, causing it to stall and enter a spin. The pilot made efforts to recover control but was unable to regain stability before the aircraft impacted a plowed field.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical condition of the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the loss of control. Examination revealed that the aircraft sustained substantial damage upon impact with the ground. No evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure or malfunction was identified that would have limited the aircraft's performance. The pilot stated that the climb ability deteriorated, but no specific mechanical defect was confirmed to cause this degradation.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the loss of control due to a stall and spin during a low-altitude maneuver. Contributing factors included the pilot's decision to continue the flight despite deteriorating climb performance and the subsequent attempt to recover from a stall at an altitude that did not provide sufficient margin for recovery. The terrain, specifically the plowed field, was consistent with the location of the impact.
Safety message
Pilots should be aware that high-density altitude or other environmental factors can significantly reduce aircraft climb performance. It is critical to assess whether a safe return to the departure area is possible before committing to such maneuvers. If climb performance is inadequate, continuing the flight or attempting complex low-altitude turns may lead to loss of control.