Casualties unknown

2005-06-24: Aviat A-1B (N42HY) — Dove Creek, CO

Dove Creek, CO, US

On June 24, 2005, an Aviat A-1B (registration N42HY) was involved in an aviation accident near Dove Creek, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during initial climb which resulted in an inadvertant stall and impact with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

On departure from runway 01 with a slight tailwind, the pilot raised flaps at 50 feet agl. The airplane lost lift and stalled during a turn back, impacting terrain nose-low.

Departure and Initial Climb

The airplane departed from runway 01 under conditions described as a slight tailwind. The flaps were configured at 10 degrees for the takeoff. When the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 50 feet above ground level, the pilot retracted the flaps in an attempt to increase airspeed. Immediately following the flap retraction, the airplane began to lose lift.

Descent and Turn Back

As the flight progressed toward the departure end of the runway, the airplane continued to lose altitude at a slow rate. The pilot observed that the airspeed was about 5 knots above the stall speed. With terrain rising ahead, a slow 180-degree left turn was initiated to return to the airport environment.

Stall and Ground Impact

During the execution of the turning maneuver, the airspeed decreased further, and the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall. The subsequent impact with terrain occurred with the airplane in a nose-down attitude.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that no mechanical anomalies were detected with the airplane prior to or during the flight.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050725X01086. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.