Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary LAX06CA074

California City, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N99BK

Avid Aircraft Mark IV

Analysis

The airplane nosed over after veering off the runway on takeoff. The pilot had a crosswind of 18 knots, gusting to 20 knots, from 30 degrees to his right. On the takeoff roll, the right wing and tail came up, pushing the airplane off the left side of the runway. The airplane nosed over when it entered the dirt. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures.

Factual Information

On December 30, 2005, about 1420 Pacific standard time, an Avid Flyer Mark IV, N99BK, veered off the runway and nosed over at California City, California. The pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The personal flight departed Rosamond, California, about 1300, with a planned stop in California City and a return to Rosamond. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. In a written statement to the National Transportation Safety Board, the pilot stated that he was beginning his takeoff roll. He noticed that the winds had increased to 18 knots from 30 degrees right of runway heading. About 40 feet into his takeoff roll, the right wing and tail of the airplane came off the ground, despite the pilot holding full opposite aileron. The airplane veered off the left side of the runway into the dirt and nosed over.

Probable Cause and Findings

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind and failure to maintain directional control of the airplane on takeoff.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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