Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed (VS) on initial takeoff climb while maneuvering to avoid power lines, resulting in an in-flight loss of control (stall) and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The private pilot made a takeoff to the east uphill into the wind. Upon reaching about 10 to 15 feet agl, the pilot observed power lines to his front and initiated a left turn. The pilot stated the airspeed decreased, the airplane stalled, the nose pitched down, and the airplane collided with the ground.
Source record
Factual narrative
On November 13, 1993, at about 1315 eastern standard time, a Vacey MK-1, N602, experimental homebuilt airplane, registered to Charles A. Vacey Sr., operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, crashed while maneuvering on initial takeoff climb. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The private pilot sustained a minor injury, and the passenger sustained a serious injury. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from a grass field about 1 minute before the accident. The pilot stated in an interview with the NTSB investigator- in-charge that he had made a forced landing into the grass field earlier in the day due to high water temperature. Examination of the airplane on the ground revealed a water hose had come off in flight. The hose was repaired and the pilot made a takeoff to the east uphill into the wind. The airplane became airborne reaching about 10 to 15 feet agl, when the pilot observed power lines to his front. The pilot further stated, "I made a left turn, the airspeed decreased, the airplane stalled, the nose pitched down, and the airplane collided with the ground." -