What happened
Following takeoff, the pilot initiated an immediate return to the airport, citing the detection of smoke or a burning odor inside the cockpit. The crew established a downwind leg for a precautionary landing at a low altitude of approximately 200 feet above ground level. The aircraft was flown at a slow airspeed and positioned close to the runway threshold while managing a crosswind component that pushed the aircraft toward the paved surface.
Witnesses observed the approach turn steepen significantly, reaching an angle of bank of approximately 60 degrees. During this maneuver, minor pitch and yaw excursions were noted. Local pilots have reported that winds from the southwest can generate turbulence and windshear due to surrounding structures in the area. Shortly after the turn steepened, the nose pitched up abruptly. The aircraft then experienced a stall on the right wing, rolling to a near-vertical attitude before impacting the runway surface. The aircraft was immediately engulfed in fire upon impact.
The investigation
Post-acc examination of the wreckage revealed that the flaps were found in the fully retracted or up position. Investigators searched for any mechanical failure or electrical issue that could have caused the smoke reported by the pilot prior to the crash. No evidence was found to support a pre-impact source of smoke or heat within the aircraft systems.
Findings
The stall occurred during a steep, low-altitude turn with slow airspeed. The presence of potential turbulence and windshear from surrounding structures may have contributed to the difficulty in maintaining controlled flight. The absence of flaps likely increased the stall speed and reduced lift capability at the low airspeed being maintained.