Accident Details
On July 14, 2022, at approximately 1940 eastern daylight time, a Flightstar II-SC, registration N6116U, was substantially damaged during a takeoff attempt from Shield Farm Airport (5PA6) in Russell, Pennsylvania. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
The pilot began the takeoff roll on runway 4, a 1,650-foot-long turf runway with an upward slope. The airplane lifted off about the midpoint of the runway. Shortly after becoming airborne, it turned left toward trees to the north-northwest of the runway, reaching a maximum altitude of about 15 feet above ground level. The airplane passed through the trees and then disappeared from view.
The passenger, seated in the right seat, stated, "We tried to make it over the trees, and we hit a tree. It didn't climb like it normally does." Video from a wing-mounted camera showed the takeoff roll, climb, and turn, with the pilot at the controls adding left rudder.
The airplane impacted trees about 300 feet north-northwest of the runway, then descended into a creek bed at an elevation of about 1,230 feet, coming to rest on its left side. The pilot, who was also the owner, was seriously injured and unable to recall the events or provide a written report.
Aircraft and Occupants
The airplane was a two-seat, high-wing, single-engine kit airplane with an empty weight of 465 lbs. It had a maximum speed of 83 knots and a stall speed of 31 knots. It was an experimental special light sport category airplane requiring FAA-mandated training and a sport pilot certificate.
The non-certificated pilot was seriously injured; the passenger sustained minor injuries.
Examination Findings
Examination of the airframe and engine revealed that the left wing was separated, and the fuselage exhibited substantial damage on the pilot's (left) side. Two of the three propeller blades were severed near the hub. Subsequent examination of the engine revealed no anomalies. The fuel tank contained about 3 gallons of fuel, and fuel was present in both carburetor bowls with no evidence of water or foreign debris. The four spark plugs showed no evidence of carbon or oil fouling. Flight control continuity was confirmed from all flight control surfaces.
Performance Data
The external wing-mounted video was forwarded to the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Laboratory. The video recorded GPS time, latitude, longitude, and altitude once per second. The airplane accelerated down the runway along the centerline; then the track began deviating left, and altitude increased slightly at an airspeed of about 40 knots (stall speed 31 knots). The airplane tracked left without gaining significant altitude and maintained airspeed for about 6 seconds. It then gained 10 feet in about 3 seconds (about a 200 foot-per-minute climb).
Thereafter, the airplane slowed and lost altitude, continuing a gradual left turn. As ground speed dropped below 20 knots, it made a sharp left turn and descended into trees and terrain. Additionally, a video study estimated the wing’s pitch angle exceeded 20º shortly before impact. Engine sound analysis indicated the engine operated at 6,090 rpm, near rated speed, throughout the flight.