Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's climb capability due to his use of full flaps during a short-field takeoff, his failure to attain a positive climb rate after takeoff, and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the takeoff roll about 40 knots airspeed, with full flaps and about 50 percent of the 900ft runway remaining, the airplane lifted off and began to climb. The airplane climbed above the tree line but then descended into ground effect. The pilot attempted to clear the trees ahead, but the airplane stalled. The left wing dropped, and the airplane descended below the tree line and touched down on the main landing gear but collided with trees and it came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing lift struts.
The pilot reported that he could have utilized the additional runway surface and held the airplane on the ground to achieve a more desirable airspeed.
Additionally, the pilot operating handbook does not suggest the use of full flap application during short-field takeoffs.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA469