Davis DA-3 | N88DT

The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that no signs of engine problems could be found, and the weather at the time was perfect. The homebuilt aircraft had a very low useful load, and yet three male adults and a fuel supply were on board at the time of the crash. While the exact circumstances of this crash may never be known, it may be reasonably concluded that an abnormal of some kind occurred after the normal takeoff, causing the pilot to become distracted and to maneuver the aircraft, possibly allowing an increased G load and flight below DMMS, therefore causing an aerodynamic stall. It is known that the aircraft did stall, spin, and hit terrain in a near vertical flight profile. The exact weight and balance could not be determined, however the aircraft was known to prohibit flight with a passenger in the rear seat due to resulting aft CG exceedances.

Probable Cause issued 3/18/2026 – 23 months after the accident: Impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined.

The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft closely monitor weight and balance limitations during pre flight planning, and commit to bugging and honoring DMMS during flight. The DTSB recommends below 2500 AGL, not more than 30 degrees bank, and not less than DMMS for all aircraft.