Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, loss of control, and impact with terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The sport pilot was circling about 600 ft above ground level and taking photographs of a concert venue. He stated that he slowed the airplane to about 60 mph before entering a steep left turn. During the turn, the airplane stalled and subsequently impacted the ground. The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 20, 2018, about 1640 Pacific daylight time, a Rans S14 airplane, N140JL, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Brownsville, Oregon. The sport pilot received serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot stated he had planned to overfly and photograph the location of a recent concert venue. As he arrived over the venue, he descended to about 600 ft above ground level (agl) and decelerated to about 60 miles per hour (mph) before entering a steep left turn. During the turn, he felt the airplane stall, and he attempted to recover as the airplane impacted the ground and struck a fence. The pilot reported there were no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal flight.