NTSB Factual Report

On September 30, 2015, about 0935 central daylight time, a Capella Aircraft Corporation (Blankenship) FW2TDXLS experimental airplane, N903AB, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Bartlesville Municipal Airport (KBVU), Bartlesville, Oklahoma. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by private individuals under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight which operated without a flight plan. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot's written statement, during the climb out the right wing kept "coming up," and the airplane wanted to bank to the left. The pilot attempted to level the wings but was unsuccessful. The airplane turned 360 degrees and the nose of the airplane started to drop. The pilot reduced the engine power and continued to try and level the airplane. The airplane impacted the ground on the left wing and landing gear and came to rest on its nose.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector who traveled to the scene, the pilot was conducting a "low pass" so that the owner could record a video of the airplane flying. The right stabilizer, left wing, and fuselage were substantially damaged. Examination of the airplane established that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have prevented normal operation during the accident flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control after takeoff.