Champion 7GCAA N9588S

Summary

On 4 May 2014 at about 21:35 local time, a Champion 7GCAA registered N9588S, operated by King Mark A, was involved in an accident near Bardwell, Kentucky, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

4 May 2014 at 21:35

Classification

Accident

Location

Bardwell, Kentucky, United States

Nearest airport

Private (None)

Coordinates

36.8392, -88.9958

Aircraft

Champion 7GCAA

Registration

N9588S

Category

Airplane

Year built

1965

Engines

1

Operator

King Mark A

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Bardwell → Bardwell

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA14LA222

2 people had minor injuries.

The failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed while maneuvering shortly after takeoff, resulting in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall, uncontrolled descent, and impact with the ground.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot performed an engine run-up before takeoff, which included checking both magnetos; he noted that each decreased 75 rpm. He applied takeoff power, and, with the engine developing full red-line rpm, the airplane became airborne in about 500 to 600 feet. After becoming airborne, he levelled off the airplane to accelerate then began to climb, turning to a southwesterly direction. The airplane climbed to between 150 and 200 feet, and, after the pilot reduced power, the airplane began to descend. He reported that he then applied full power; the engine responded, but the airplane continued to descend. The airplane impacted a field and then nosed over; both occupants exited the airplane. The passenger reported that a wind from the right occurred before the airplane pitched nose down. The pilot indicated that there was no flight control or engine issue, which was confirmed by the passenger. Although the pilot and passenger both reported an event associated with the wind that caused the airplane to descend, the nose-down pitch attitude described by the passenger was consistent with an aerodynamic stall/mush. Immediately after the accident, the pilot was taken to a hospital for treatment. Attending medical professionals and a law enforcement officer reported that, while there, he smelled of alcohol; however, the pilot left the hospital before toxicology testing could be performed. Therefore, no determination could be made whether the pilot was impaired by alcohol at the time of the accident.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.