Incident Description
A training flight conducting local maneuvers at Charlotte-Douglas Airport experienced a loss of control shortly after departure. According to the official investigation, the instructor pilot reduced the right engine mixture immediately following liftoff while the aircraft was in its initial climb. The airplane subsequently encountered difficulty gaining altitude, entered an aerodynamic stall, and crashed near the airport perimeter.
Occupant Injuries and Aircraft Damage
Both individuals on board sustained injuries as a result of the crash. The aircraft itself was destroyed in the impact and subsequent post-crash fire.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be a stall during the initial climb, which occurred after the crew exercised poor judgment. Several contributing factors were identified in the official report:
- Inadequate supervision of the flight
- Failure to follow approved procedures
- Misuse of or failure to use flaps
- Failure to maintain flying speed
- Diverted attention from operation of the aircraft
- Aircraft flaps remained in the down position
- Pilots were preoccupied with attempts to restart the engine
These factors collectively led to the loss of control and subsequent crash.