Takeoff & Initial Climb · NTSB CEN11FA304

Cubcrafters CC11-160 — Parker, CO

2 fatal High-time pilotLow altitude
DateApril 23, 2011
LocationParker, CO
AircraftCubcrafters CC11-160
Purpose of flightPersonal
ConditionsUnknown
Phase / occurrenceTakeoff Abrupt maneuver
Pilot age50
Pilot total time9,000 hrs · High time
Time in type3,000 hrs
Fatalities2

Probable cause

The pilot’s excessive and unsafe maneuvering during gusty wind conditions, which resulted in an inadvertent stall-spin.

NTSB findings

  • Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Decision making/judgment-Pilot - C
  • Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-High wind-Decision related to condition

What happened

***This report was modified on June 10, 2013. Please see the docket for this accident to view the original report.***

A video of the accident showed the airplane took off and assumed an excessively steep angle of climb, before leveling off and appearing motionless; a witness stated the airplane was about 150 to 200 feet above the ground. The right wing then dropped and the airplane spun to the ground. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. High, gusty wind prevailed at the time of the accident.

An editorial "what led to it / how to avoid it" analysis for this accident is generated separately and will appear here.

View the official NTSB docket →