NTSB Factual Report

On July 6, 2002, approximately 0845 central daylight time, a Jackie SNS-7-Hiperbipe 3 experimental single-engine airplane, N234JD, sustained substantial damage after impacting terrain following a loss of control during takeoff/initial climb at the Lancaster Airport, Lancaster, Texas. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot. The private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

In a telephone interview with the NTSB investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that on takeoff roll from runway 13, the airplane swerved "for some reason" to the left. The pilot further stated that he must have over corrected by applying right brake or rudder. The airplane then swerved to the right across the runway and became airborne. Approximately 15 feet agl, due to "lack of airspeed," the airplane stalled and impacted the ground with its left wing. Subsequently, the airplane's right wing hit the ground, separating it from the fuselage. The pilot stated that the airplane came to rest upright approximately 100 yards to the right side and perpendicular to the runway.

An FAA inspector, who traveled to the accident site, reported the right wing had separated, the propeller was bent and twisted, and both main gear were folded up underneath the fuselage.

At 0853, the Redbird Automatic Surface Observing System, located 10 nautical miles northwest of the accident site, reported wind calm, visibility 8 statute miles, sky clear, temperature 25 degrees Centigrade, dew point 22 degrees Centigrade, with an altimeter setting of 30.09 inches of mercury.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall. A contributing factor was the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff roll.