December 18, 2012, Calhoun, Ga. – Hummel H5 Experimental

The airplane was substantially damaged at about 1400 Eastern time when it impacted trees and terrain shortly after takeoff. The private pilot was fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed. Witnesses report the airplane took off with engine sounds, ground roll and departure all “normal.” Then, at about 300 feet agl, the airplane began a slow roll to the right, reaching about 90 degrees angle of bank and 60 degrees nose-down as it descended into trees. The airplane had accumulated 3.8 hours of total flight time as part of its initial Phase I operating limitations for an amateur-built aircraft.

Key Takeaways:

• An amateur-built aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the fatal injury of the private pilot and substantial damage to the airplane.
• Witnesses observed an initially normal takeoff, but at approximately 300 feet above ground level, the aircraft began a slow right roll, eventually descending nose-down into trees.
• The airplane had only accumulated 3.8 hours of total flight time as part of its initial Phase I operating limitations.

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