Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed on initial takeoff climb resulting in an in flight loss of control (stall) and subsequent in flight collision with terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The private pilot was conducting a maintenance test flight in visual meteorological conditions. The pilot stated after he began his takeoff roll the tail wheel came off the ground and the left wing dropped. The pilot applied aft pressure on the control stick and the airplane became airborne in a nose up attitude. The airplane stalled, and the left wing collided with the ground and the airplane rotated around its vertical axis to the left, the engine separated from the fuselage, the right wing collided with the ground, and the airplane came to a stop sustaining substantial damage. The pilot and two passengers received minor injuries.
Source record
Factual narrative
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