The pilot of the experimental amateur-built Rans S-14 was flight testing a newly installed propeller.
During ground static testing, he found the propeller RPM to be acceptable.
After liftoff from the airport in Bonaire, Georgia, the RPM increased to a non-acceptable range. He responded by reducing the throttle and retracting the flaps.
He told investigators the airplane’s flight controls felt like a “…mushy precursor to a stall.”
He increased engine power to full and lowered the nose to increase airspeed.
He turned left in an attempt to return to the airport, but the airplane would not maintain altitude.
The airport was surrounded by housing developments, so he guided the airplane toward trees to avoid hitting the houses.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, tailboom, and cabin structure in the accident, while the pilot sustained serious injuries.
Following the accident, the pilot stated that he had “inadequately adjusted” the propeller’s pitch, which resulted in the airplane’s inability to maintain thrust and lift.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to properly adjust the propeller’s pitch angle, which resulted in a loss of thrust and an inability to maintain altitude.
NTSB Identification: 192492
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This June 2023 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
