ERA22LA294

Witnesses reported that, during takeoff, the airplane became airborne about 1,000 ft down the 5,000-ft-long runway and immediately pitched up to a nose-high attitude with little increase in altitude. The witnesses also reported that the engine ran smoothly during the entire event. As the airplane passed the departure end of the runway, it made a slight right turn, followed by a sharp turn to the left back toward the runway. During the left turn, the nose dropped, and the airplane impacted the ground past the end of the runway in a left-wing-low attitude. Examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of a preexisting mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. Given the witness statements and the lack of mechanical anomalies, it is likely that the pilot exceeded the airplane’s critical angle of attack while attempting to return to the airport during the initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, loss of control, and impact with terrain.

On June 24, 2022, about 1425 central daylight time, a Bücker BU-133, N1940H, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Hartford, Kentucky. The private pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Witnesses reported that the pilot refueled the airplane and started the engine with the assistance of a mechanic, who hand-propped the engine. After engine start, the pilot taxied for departure. The airplane became airborne about 1,000 ft down the 5,000-ft-long runway and immediately pitched up into a nose-high attitude with little increase in altitude. The witnesses also reported that the engine ran smoothly during the entire event. As the airplane passed the departure end of the runway, it made a slight right turn, followed by a sharp turn to the left, back toward the runway. The airplane stalled, the nose dropped, and the airplane impacted the ground. First responders assisted the pilot out of the wreckage and he was transported to a local hospital for treatment. An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The airplane crashed in an open, grassy area about 400 ft past the departure end of the runway. The left wing and forward fuselage sustained substantial damage. There was no fire. Continuity was established from all flight control surfaces to the cockpit controls. The elevator trim was found in the neutral position. The FAA reported that, due to his injuries, the pilot had no recollection of the event.