Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to initiate a stall maneuver at a low altitude, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and inadvertent collision with trees and terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
After making a low pass over the airport, the pilot of the vintage aerobatic biplane initiated a “stall turn” in order to reverse direction. During the climb portion of the maneuver, the airplane “did not achieve the required altitude for a safe recovery due to the extra weight of [the] passenger.” During the descent and attempted recovery from the maneuver, the right wing impacted a tree and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground, and came to rest inverted. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the upper and lower wings, fuselage, and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
After making a low pass over the airport, the pilot of the vintage aerobatic biplane initiated a “stall turn” in order to reverse direction. During the climb portion of the maneuver, the airplane “did not achieve the required altitude for a safe recovery due to the extra weight of [the] passenger.” During the descent and attempted recovery from the maneuver, the right wing impacted a tree and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground, and came to rest inverted. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the upper and lower wings, fuselage, and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.