On November 22, 2001, a Globe GC-1B (registration N3209K) operated by John W. Saunders Iii was involved in an aviation accident near Marion, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadvertent stall during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control and the airplane colliding with a fence and a tree. A contributing factor was his lack of experience in the make and model of aircraft. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff from a grass runway, the airplane veered left toward a building, struck a fence and tree. The pilot reported a possible stall; no mechanical anomalies were found.
Incident Overview
During the initial takeoff climb from a 3,000-foot grass runway, the airplane veered to the left toward a building and trees. According to the private pilot, he "may have stalled the airplane." The pilot-rated passenger reported that the airplane experienced a "sharp, left wing drop stall." The airplane subsequently impacted and continued through a chain link fence before striking a tree.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had not previously flown this make and model of aircraft. He had accumulated a total of 126.2 flight hours. Additionally, the pilot reported obtaining his tail-wheel endorsement 13 days prior to the accident.
Aircraft Examination
A post-accident examination of the aircraft and engine revealed no evidence of any mechanical anomalies or malfunctions.
Probable Cause
No probable cause was determined from the available information.