Summary
On May 08, 2009, a Fuhrmann-super Emeraude STRETCHED (N11LF) was involved in an accident near Peach Springs, AZ. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury, 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The airplane's encounter with turbulence after takeoff, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.
The pilot reported that during the initial takeoff and climb from runway 23, he encountered "severe clear air turbulence" about midway down the runway. He regained control and continued the climb. Towards the end of the runway, at 300 to 400 feet above ground level (agl), the airplane encountered more "clear air turbulence which took the airplane south of the runway and all the way to the ground." Local law enforcement reported seeing dust devils and whirlwinds in the area after the accident. The pilot reported that the winds were from 230 degrees at 15 knots. He stated that there was no mechanical failure or malfunction with the airplane's flight control system or engine prior to the accident.
This accident is documented in NTSB report WPR09CA231. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N11LF.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The airplane's encounter with turbulence after takeoff, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that during the initial takeoff and climb from runway 23, he encountered "severe clear air turbulence" about midway down the runway. He regained control and continued the climb. Towards the end of the runway, at 300 to 400 feet above ground level (agl), the airplane encountered more "clear air turbulence which took the airplane south of the runway and all the way to the ground." Local law enforcement reported seeing dust devils and whirlwinds in the area after the accident. The pilot reported that the winds were from 230 degrees at 15 knots. He stated that there was no mechanical failure or malfunction with the airplane's flight control system or engine prior to the accident.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR09CA231