NTSB Factual Report

On October 21, 2009, at 1230 central daylight time, an amateur-built Argence Enas A, Christen Eagle, N24EA, crashed off the end of runway 14, at the Hernando Village Airpark, Inc., (H75) Hernando, Mississippi. The certificated commercial pilot, who was also the owner of the airplane, incurred serious injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight was operated as a personal flight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91, and no flight plan was filed, for the local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated that the preflight inspection, engine start, taxi, run up, lift off and initial climb were normal. The pilot also stated that after the initial climb he has no memory of the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Witnesses stated that shortly after takeoff there was a “loud bang or pop” from the airplane. The pilot attempted to return to the airport; however, the airplane started to spin and collided with the ground in a nose down attitude and slid about 70 feet before coming to rest.

Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector found the airplane in an open field with the upper wings partially separated from the airframe and the lower wings separated at the wing root. Examination of the wooden propeller found all three blades separated mid span and splintered. The inspector stated that he found no pre-existing mechanical problems with the airframe or engine following his examination.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a return to the airport, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin.