GAA16CA394

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll from a private, dirt airstrip the airplane encountered a bump and became airborne prematurely. The pilot further reported that he attempted to reduce the angle of attack, but the left wing aerodynamically stalled and the airplane impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, left wing, right wing and aileron, and right vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll from a private, dirt airstrip the airplane encountered a bump and became airborne prematurely. The pilot further reported that he attempted to reduce the angle of attack, but the left wing aerodynamically stalled and the airplane impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, left wing, right wing and aileron, and right vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Angle of attack-Capability exceeded - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-(general)-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Environmental issues-Physical environment-Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface-(general)-Effect on operation - C