Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, during takeoff the airplane's engine surged after the airplane lifted off from the runway. He attempted to land on the runway remaining, but the airplane stalled and landed hard. The landing gear collapsed, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 19, 2010, at 1639 central daylight time, a Glasair SHA, N729RS, was substantially damaged when the airplane stalled during takeoff and impacted terrain at North Little Rock Municipal Airport (1M1), North Little Rock, Arkansas. Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot and passenger on board the airplane were not injured. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector from the Little Rock Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) responded to the accident site and interviewed the pilot. The pilot told him the engine "surged" after the airplane lifted off. He attempted to land on the runway remaining, but the airplane stalled and landed hard. The landing gear collapsed and the left wing was crushed. Numerous requests were made for the pilot to submit NTSB Form 6120.1-2, Pilot-Operator Aircraft Accident Report. The pilot did not respond. When an FAA inspector tried to contact the pilot, it was discovered that the pilot had transported the airplane from 1M1 to Fredericksburg, Louisiana, without FAA's permission. FAA advises the pilot is under investigation.