Accident Liberty XL-2 N552XL,
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ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 308683
 
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Date:Wednesday 2 March 2022
Time:15:30 LT
Type:Silhouette image of generic XL2 model; specific model in this crash may look slightly different    
Liberty XL-2
Owner/operator:Gaumer John R Jr
Registration: N552XL
MSN: 0042
Year of manufacture:2006
Total airframe hrs:384 hours
Engine model:Continental IOF-240-B
Fatalities:Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Aircraft damage: Substantial
Category:Accident
Location:Las Cruces, New Mexico -   United States of America
Phase: Take off
Nature:Private
Departure airport:Las Cruces, NM
Destination airport:Marana Regional Airport, AZ (AVW/KAVQ)
Investigating agency: NTSB
Confidence Rating: Accident investigation report completed and information captured
Narrative:
The pilot reported that, during takeoff with a density altitude of 6,750 ft and the airplane's weight near gross weight, the airplane's acceleration seemed sluggish. The airplane lifted off about 1/3 of the way down the runway after achieving 55 knot rotation speed, but the climb was also 'sluggish”. The airplane cleared the airport perimeter fence and began to settle. The airplane subsequently touched down on soft dirt and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation and he believed that the cause of the accident was a combination of high-density altitude and the airplane's weight close to the maximum allowable gross weight.

Probable Cause: The airplane's inability to climb during takeoff due to a degradation of engine performance due to high density altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to continue the takeoff.

Accident investigation:
cover
  
Investigating agency: NTSB
Report number: WPR22LA116
Status: Investigation completed
Duration: 4 months
Download report: Final report

Sources:

NTSB WPR22LA116

Location

Revision history:

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