Stall After Takeoff Following Low-Airspeed Rotation and Insufficient Rudder Input (N4164W)

Accident Summary

A pilot and his wife had retrieved their airplane from maintenance and were aboard for a flight. During the takeoff roll, the pilot rotated the aircraft at an airspeed he believed was the appropriate rotation speed. The airplane became airborne and entered ground effect. Shortly after becoming airborne, the left wing dropped as the aircraft stalled, and the nose pitched down. The airplane then accelerated as it descended, and it impacted the ground on its left wingtip. The impact was on the left wingtip, as reported.

Pilot's Report

In his report following the accident, the pilot stated that he had rotated at too slow an airspeed and that he had failed to apply sufficient right rudder. The pilot indicated that his rotation speed was lower than necessary, and he did not apply adequate right rudder input during the takeoff. He noted that he initially believed the rotation speed was correct but later realized it was too slow. The pilot also acknowledged the lack of sufficient right rudder.