The light sport airplane collided with terrain after takeoff at about 1600 Pacific time. The private pilot/owner sustained fatal injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the airframe and wings from impact forces and a post-crash fire. Visual conditions prevailed. Witnesses reported the airplane went to an extremely nose-high attitude after liftoff, estimating it never climbed to more than 100 feet agl. The airplane maintained the nose-high attitude as it began to turn back toward the runway and then entered a steep bank to the left, followed by a near-vertical nose-low attitude. The airplane collided with the ground on airport property. It burst into flames about one minute after the ground contact.
May 14, 2011, Arlington, Wash., Czech Aircraft Works Sportcruiser
The light sport airplane collided with terrain after takeoff at about 1600 Pacific time. The private pilot/owner sustained fatal injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the airframe and wings from impact forces and a post-crash fire. Visual conditions prevailed. Witnesses reported the airplane went to an extremely nose-high attitude after liftoff, estimating it never climbed to more than 100 feet agl.
Key Takeaways:
- A light sport airplane crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in fatal injuries to the private pilot/owner and substantial damage from impact and a post-crash fire.
- Witnesses observed the aircraft assume an extremely nose-high attitude after liftoff, climbing no more than 100 feet above ground level.
- The airplane then turned back towards the runway, entered a steep left bank, and subsequently a near-vertical, nose-low attitude before colliding with the ground on airport property and catching fire.
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