11 Apr 2017: LAZEAR JOHN T ZENAIR STOL CH 701 NO SERIES

11 Apr 2017: LAZEAR JOHN T ZENAIR STOL CH 701 NO SERIES — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Windsor Twp, PA, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's improper pretakeoff planning, his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during a short-field takeoff with a tailwind, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot of the experimental amateur-built airplane reported that he attempted to takeoff on a grass portion of his property, that extended about 1,000 ft prior to reaching powerlines. During takeoff on an approximate 130° heading, he noticed the airplane was not climbing fast enough to clear the powerlines. He pulled up "hard" to clear the powerlines but stalled the airplane. The left wing dipped down and the airplane impacted the ground. The right wing separated from the fuselage and the empennage was crushed behind the wings. Both main landing gear separated from the fuselage, and the nose gear folded back under the engine compartment. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. He added that he thought the wind was swirling and may have encountered some windshear. The recorded wind at an airport located about 13 miles west of the accident site, about the time of the accident, was from 320° at 4 knots.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Pilot
  • cause Airspeed — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Capability exceeded
  • Effect on operation
  • Effect on operation

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 320/04kt, vis 10sm

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