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N457A accident description

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Crash location 35.423611°N, 81.934444°W
Nearest city Rutherfordton, NC
35.365121°N, 81.952605°W
4.2 miles away
Tail number N457A
Accident date 30 Jan 2011
Aircraft type Kolb Aircraft Inc Kolb Mark Iii
Additional details: None

NTSB Factual Report

The pilot reported that he was practicing takeoffs and landings at his home airport. As he made a left turn over a hangar, a crosswind increased, and the airplane banked too steeply. The left wing subsequently stalled and the airplane was too low for the pilot to recover, before it impacted the ground near a hangar. A witness stated that shortly after takeoff, the accident airplane returned and "buzzed" the airport. The pilot then attempted to "buzz" his own restaurant, when the airplane stalled and spun at low altitude. During the stall, the witness heard the engine noise increase to full power. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The recorded weather at the accident airport, about the time of the accident, included clear skies and calm wind.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude resulting in a stall/spin and ground impact.

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