WATKINS, CO, USA
N90541
NORTH AMERICAN HARVARD MK-II
THE PILOT SAID AIRPLANE 'FEEL' WAS NORMAL AS HE TAXIED TO RUNWAY 36. DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL, AS THE AIRPLANE ACCELERATED TO 40 TO 45 MPH, IT FELT 'HEAVIER THAN NORMAL.' THE LEFT WING LIFTED AND THE AIRPLANE WEATHERVANED TO THE RIGHT. OPPOSITE RUDDER HAD NO EFFECT EXCEPT TO DROP THE LEFT WING AND THE AIRPLANE FELT 'LIGHTER.' THE AIRPLANE BECAME AIRBORNE FOR A DISTANCE OF APPROXIMATELY 375 FEET AND IMPACTED A PLOWED FIELD, SHEARING THE WINGS FROM THE FUSELAGE.
THE PILOT INADVERTENTLY STALLING THE AIRPLANE. FACTORS INCLUDED: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ON TAKEOFF, AND INADEQUATE AIRSPEED.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
