NTSB Factual Report

On June 24, 2005, approximately 1545 mountain daylight time, an Aviat A-1B single-engine airplane, N42HY, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain following a loss of control during initial takeoff climb from the Dove Creek Airport, Dove Creek, Colorado. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was registered to Clear Blue Sky, LLC, Clifton, Colorado, and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident and was destined for Grand Junction, Colorado.

According to the pilot, he departed runway 01 with a "slight tailwind," and the flaps extended 10 degrees. Approximately 50 feet agl, the pilot raised the flaps to increase airspeed, and the airplane "started to lose lift." Approaching the end of the runway, the airplane was "slowly losing altitude and the airspeed was approximately 5 knots above the stall speed." With rising terrain ahead, the pilot executed a slow 180 degree left turn back toward the airport. During the turn, the airspeed decreased and the airplane stalled. Subsequently, the airplane impacted terrain in a nose low attitude. Examination of the airplane by the pilot revealed the firewall was buckled. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during initial climb which resulted in an inadvertant stall and impact with terrain.