GRANTS PASS, OR, USA
N4GJ
Hutton Rand Robinson KR-2
The solo student pilot decided to take off in a homebuilt airplane equipped with a tail wheel. Gusting crosswind conditions prevailed at the time of the takeoff. During the takeoff roll, the airplane became airborne, veered off the runway, then settled onto the ground again. The pilot elected to continue the takeoff and the airplane impacted thick vegetation immediately after lifting off the ground the second time. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were reported.
On April 6, 1997, about 1430 Pacific daylight time, N4GJ, a home built Hutton Rand Robinson KR-2 airplane, impacted trees during takeoff and was substantially damaged at Grants Pass, Oregon. The student pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The instructional flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91. According to an FAA aviation safety inspector, the airplane veered off the runway and impacted vegetation immediately after lifting off at the Grants Pass Airport. The pilot and witnesses indicated that the airplane encountered strong cross winds during the takeoff. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were reported. In a written statement to the Safety Board (attached), the pilot stated: "On takeoff as the tail came up the craft became [airborne]. The craft then settled on the [ground], however off the runway. I attempted to continue the takeoff but did not realize I was on the back side of the power curve. I eventually hit a [manzanita] bush." The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident, and he stated "be [programmed] to [abort] takeoff" in the "Recommendation" section of the NTSB Pilot/Operator Form 6120.1/2 that he submitted (attached).
The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions, his failure to maintain directional control on takeoff, and his failure to abort the takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident are gusty crosswinds.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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