WHITEWRIGHT, TX, USA
N141CH
Bellanca 8GCBC
The pilot lost control of the tail-wheel equipped airplane during takeoff from his private airstrip. The pilot stated that after the main wheels lifted off of the ground, the airplane 'experienced an abrupt yaw,' which he attempted to counteract with opposite rudder. The airplane started to 'crow hop, each time getting airborne a couple of feet, then returning to the ground.' The pilot was preparing to abort the takeoff; however, the right main landing gear collapsed resulting in the right wing impacting the ground.
On August 5, 1999, at 1755 central daylight time, a Bellanca 8GCBC tail-wheel equipped airplane, N141CH, was substantially damaged during takeoff from a private grass airstrip near Whitewright, Texas. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot. The airline transport pilot and his passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight was initiating at the time of the accident. In the enclosed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot stated that the winds were calm. The pilot was taking off to the north from his private grass airstrip. The main wheels lifted off of the ground, and the airplane "experienced an abrupt yaw," which he attempted to counteract with opposite rudder. The aircraft began to "crow hop, each time getting airborne a couple of feet, then returning to the ground." The pilot added that he was preparing to abort the takeoff; however, "the last touchdown collapsed the right main landing gear," resulting in the right wing impacting the ground. According to the pilot, the right wing's wooden spar was structurally damaged, and the propeller blades sustained damage. The pilot had accumulated 10,757 hours of total flight time, of which 19 hours were in the accident airplane.
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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