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U-FITAQP: 12) LOSS OF SPEED AWARENESS

Mikael Rovala PA-18 REPLICA | N43LK

Buffalo, Minnesota

  • DTSB analysis published
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Key facts

  • DateSeptember 27, 2026
  • Local time4:10 PM
  • LightDay
  • WeatherVMC
  • Phase of flightTakeoff
  • People on board2
  • Fatalities1
  • AirportKCFE

Accident Location

City, State
Buffalo, Minnesota
Latitude
45.1592
Longitude
-93.8433
Airport ID
KCFE
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Aircraft Info

N Number
N43LK
Make
Mikael Rovala
Model
PA-18 REPLICA
Category / Class
Aircraft Single Engine Land
Amateur Built
Yes
Registry
FAA Registry Inquiry For: N43LK →

Pilot Info

Pilot in command
Johnson, Aaron John
Gender
Male
Age
40
Certification
Commercial Pilot
IFR rating
Yes
Medical
3rd Class Medical
Flight school
No
Instructional flight
Yes

Analysis

Weather
VMC
Time of day
Day
Phase of flight
Takeoff
Pilot error
Yes
Pilot incapacitation
No
People on board
2
Total fatalities
1
NTSB travel
Unknown
AQP category
12) LOSS OF SPEED AWARENESS →

Probable Cause

THE DTSB

Pending. The accident aircraft impacted inside the airport boundary in a nearly vertical impact immediately after takeoff. The aircraft was fully loaded with fuel and supplies and may have been both over loaded and aft CG loaded, reducing elevator nose down authority during the full power climb.

NTSB

None yet (final report not yet published).

Recommendation

THE DTSB

Pending.