Summary
On July 26, 2015, a Norton Claude C TAILWIND W8 (N299CB) was involved in an accident near Portales, NM. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries. 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, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack while maneuvering and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.
During the takeoff roll with an air density altitude near 7,400 feet, the pilot reported that the takeoff roll "seemed normal with a bit longer requirement as expected for high temperatures conditions". The pilot reported that after takeoff the climb performance was "low".
He stated that the wind shifted direction during the initial climb; he maneuvered the airplane into the wind, and to avoid power transmission line wires and a highway by "gradual right turning". While maneuvering, the airplane settled into a "mushing descent" and impacted terrain.
The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
This accident is documented in NTSB report GAA15CA199. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N299CB.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack while maneuvering and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
During the takeoff roll with an air density altitude near 7,400 feet, the pilot reported that the takeoff roll "seemed normal with a bit longer requirement as expected for high temperatures conditions". The pilot reported that after takeoff the climb performance was "low".
He stated that the wind shifted direction during the initial climb; he maneuvered the airplane into the wind, and to avoid power transmission line wires and a highway by "gradual right turning". While maneuvering, the airplane settled into a "mushing descent" and impacted terrain.
The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. During the impact with terrain the airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and empennage.
The pilot reported as a recommendation that "it is far better to engage the ground in somewhat of a controlled condition rather than to act with reactionary mismanagement of control inputs to the point of stalling and falling".
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA15CA199