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CEN25LA241

2025-07-08 · Jenison, Michigan, United States · Minor · 1 aircraft · Status: Completed

Airport 08C

Aircraft involved

Probable cause & findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control and clearance from trees during takeoff.

Factual narrative

The left-seat pilot reported that during the takeoff rotation, the right-seat pilot unexpectedly manipulated the flight controls and placed the airplane into a “maximum performance climb attitude.” The left-seat pilot immediately released the control yoke and relinquished control of the airplane to the other pilot. The right-seat pilot leveled the airplane and began a shallow left turn before striking trees. The airplane subsequently pitched down and impacted a lake which resulted in substantial damage to both wings, fuselage, and empennage. The left-seat pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

  • — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Pitch control-Incorrect use/operation
  • — Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot
  • — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained

Verbatim from NTSB's published report. Source file NTSB_2025_CEN25LA241.txt. Findings + structured fields enriched from FAA avall.mdb. Full investigation docket on data.ntsb.gov ↗.

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