Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed in a climbing turn, that resulted in an inadvertent stall.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
A weatherly 201b, loaded with chemicals, collided with the ground during departure from a private grass strip in andalusia, alabama. The pilot stated that after becoming airborne, he executed a turn to the left too early and was unable to maintain sufficient airspeed to keep the aircraft from stalling.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 30, 1995, at 0930 central daylight time, a Weatherly 201B, N1254W, collided with a tree while maneuvering for an emergency landing, following a loss of engine power, near Andalusia, Alabama. The aerial application flight operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 137, with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage, the pilot was not injured. The local flight departed Andalusia, at 0900 hours. According to the pilot, while executing a left climbing turn with a load of chemicals, he did not maintain sufficient airspeed. The aircraft stalled and collided with a tree and the ground. -