This July 2008 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Lancair IV-P. Injuries: 1 Fatal. Location: Hollywood, Fla. Aircraft damage: Destroyed.
What reportedly happened: The instrument-rated pilot, who had logged 1,255 hours, was the builder of the accident airplane. According to witnesses, the airplane did not lift off until it was two-thirds down the 3,255-foot runway. The airplane lifted off and climbed to an altitude of 150 feet when the engine quit. The airplane banked to the left, hitting an estimated 80° of bank before it stalled, and hit the ground nose first, then caught fire.
Probable cause: A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
For more information: NTSB.gov
