Accident Summary
Shortly after departing from Sitkinak Island Airport, the airplane entered a stall while in its initial climb phase. The loss of lift caused the aircraft to descend and impact the ground at the edge of the runway. The pilot sustained serious injuries, and the aircraft was written off due to the damage.
Probable Cause
According to official findings, the accident resulted from the pilot-in-command's failure to obtain or maintain flying speed, as well as a failure to follow approved procedures. These errors led to the stall and subsequent crash.
Reported Factors
The investigation reported several factors that were present during the accident sequence:
- Unfavorable wind conditions
- The pilot attempted a maximum performance takeoff in a Robertson STOL aircraft
- A quartering crosswind of 20 knots was present
These conditions, combined with the pilot's actions, contributed to the loss of control. The aircraft's design and the specific takeoff technique may have played a role in the stall event.