Primary finding
Probable cause
an inadvertent stall. Factors relating to the accident are the major alteration of the airframe, and failure of the pilot-in- command to obtain new performance data.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated the airplane stalled shortly after takeoff at an altitude of 50 feet, and then contacted the ground. Each wing of the experimental airplane had been shortened by 3 feet, and a heavier landing gear installed by the builder, who was also the pilot. No adjustment to performance data had been done.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 6, 1993, at 0945, eastern standard time, a Zeigler Moni homebuilt airplane, N10GZ, sustained substantial damage when the pilot lost control and crashed on takeoff at the Freeman Municipal Airport, Seymour, Indiana. The private pilot, and sole occupant of the airplane, received minor injuries. No flight plan was filed for the local flight, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The pilot stated the airplane stalled after takeoff at an altitude of about 50 feet, and contacted the ground in a nose- down attitude. The airplane had been modified by the pilot, who was also the builder. Each wing had been shortened by 3 feet, and a heavier landing gear had been installed. No adjustment had been made to the performance data for the airplane to compensate for the increased weight or shortened wings. The airplane had not been recertificated in this configuration. -