NTSB Factual Report

On September 26, 2002, at 1834 Pacific daylight time, a Paige Kolb MK III experimental airplane, N6124U, collided with the runway during an attempted takeoff at the Fresno-Chandler Downtown Airport, Fresno, California. The student pilot was operating the airplane on a local personal flight under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The student pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed.

During a telephone interview with the National Transportation Safety Board, a witness, who was also a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, stated that he saw the homebuilt airplane begin a takeoff roll on runway 30R. During rotation, the airplane excessively pitched up and began a steep climb. After reaching about 25 to 50 feet above ground level, the airplane settled back to the runway, hitting the surface hard. Upon touchdown, the airplane was slightly nose high and had a forward velocity. The airplane appeared to accelerate after touchdown and continued to veer off to the left of the runway.

The FAA inspector further stated that the student pilot did not have instruction or authorization to act as pilot-in-command of the airplane. The pilot told him that he was engaged in a process of self-instruction. The pilot also revealed to him that he had performed mechanical work including the assembly of the airplane, yet he did not hold a repairman or mechanic certificate.

Despite several attempts by the Safety Board, the pilot failed to submit a NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2).

NTSB Probable Cause

the student pilot's excessive rotation and failure to obtain/maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, resulting in a stall.