What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-04-28 involved a Globe GC-1B, registration N80737, operated by Sunset Aviation, at Gatesville, TX.

Aircraft Stalls Twice During Takeoff Climb and Collides with Ground (N80737)

On April 28, 1997, a Globe GC-1B (registration N80737) operated by Sunset Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Gatesville, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Accelerated stall. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During a maintenance flight check, an airplane experienced an accelerated stall during takeoff initial climb, followed by a secondary stall and impact with the ground with the gear retracted.

Accident Details

During the takeoff initial climb, the airplane stalled. The pilot recovered, but the airplane entered a secondary stall, oscillated, and hit the ground with the gear retracted. The pilots on board the airplane and witnesses stated that the accident was caused by an accelerated stall.

Flight Crew Information

The flight was conducted as a maintenance check. The private pilot, who also served as a mechanic, planned to familiarize the commercial pilot with the airplane for subsequent maintenance flights. The commercial pilot had flight time in tailwheel aircraft but had never flown this make and model. Prior to the flight, the pilots agreed that the private pilot would be the pilot in command (PIC). The private pilot briefed that the commercial pilot would perform the takeoff roll, and once the airplane was airborne, the private pilot would take the controls.

Pilot Experience

The private pilot reported having 14 hours total time in this make and model of airplane. Additionally, he stated that he did not have a current medical certificate.

Probable cause

Accelerated stall

1997-04-28: Globe GC-1B (N80737) — Sunset Aviation — Gatesville, TX