Summary
On January 30, 2011, a Kolb Aircraft INC KOLB MARK III (N457A) was involved in an accident near Rutherfordton, NC. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude resulting in a stall/spin and ground impact.
The pilot reported that he was practicing takeoffs and landings at his home airport. As he made a left turn over a hangar, a crosswind increased, and the airplane banked too steeply. The left wing subsequently stalled and the airplane was too low for the pilot to recover, before it impacted the ground near a hangar. A witness stated that shortly after takeoff, the accident airplane returned and "buzzed" the airport. The pilot then attempted to "buzz" his own restaurant, when the airplane stalled and spun at low altitude. During the stall, the witness heard the engine noise increase to full power. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
This accident is documented in NTSB report ERA11CA129. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N457A.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude resulting in a stall/spin and ground impact.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that he was practicing takeoffs and landings at his home airport. As he made a left turn over a hangar, a crosswind increased, and the airplane banked too steeply. The left wing subsequently stalled and the airplane was too low for the pilot to recover, before it impacted the ground near a hangar. A witness stated that shortly after takeoff, the accident airplane returned and "buzzed" the airport. The pilot then attempted to "buzz" his own restaurant, when the airplane stalled and spun at low altitude. During the stall, the witness heard the engine noise increase to full power. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The recorded weather at the accident airport, about the time of the accident, included clear skies and calm wind.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA11CA129