Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering for landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that she and the passenger departed from a beach, but after taking off, the pilot determined that the weather in the intended direction of flight was not favorable, and she chose to return to the beach to land. While maneuvering onto final approach, the left wing stalled and the airplane descended into the beach, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane.