Norton Claude C TAILWIND W8 N299CB

Summary

On 26 July 2015 at about 19:30 local time, a Norton Claude C TAILWIND W8 registered N299CB, operated by Widener Glenn E; Carol A. Widener, was involved in an accident near Portales, New Mexico, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

26 July 2015 at 19:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Portales, New Mexico, United States

Nearest airport

Portales Muni (PRZ)

Coordinates

34.1456, -103.4108

Aircraft

Norton Claude C TAILWIND W8

Registration

N299CB

Category

Airplane

Year built

2002

Engines

1

Operator

Widener Glenn E; Carol A. Widener

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Portales → Clovis

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

GAA15CA199

2 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack while maneuvering and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

During the takeoff roll with an air density altitude near 7,400 feet, the pilot reported that the takeoff roll "seemed normal with a bit longer requirement as expected for high temperatures conditions". The pilot reported that after takeoff the climb performance was "low". He stated that the wind shifted direction during the initial climb; he maneuvered the airplane into the wind, and to avoid power transmission line wires and a highway by "gradual right turning". While maneuvering, the airplane settled into a "mushing descent" and impacted terrain. The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. During the impact with terrain the airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and empennage.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.