Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN10CA020

Alamosa, CO, USA

Aircraft #1

N59JT

Franklin Pitts Special S-1

Analysis

The commercial pilot was taking off in his single-engine tail wheel-equipped airplane, when veered to the left at a high rate of speed shortly after the tail wheel came up off the ground. The airplane went off the side of the runway and struck a runway light with the lower left wing causing substantial damage. Examination of the airplane by maintenance personnel found no pre mishap anomalies. The winds were calm at the time of the accident.

Factual Information

The commercial pilot was taking off in his single-engine tail wheel-equipped airplane, when it veered to the left at a high rate of speed shortly after the tail wheel came up off the ground. The airplane went off the side of the runway and struck a runway light with the lower left wing causing substantial damage. Examination of the airplane by maintenance personnel found no pre mishap anomalies. The winds were calm at the time of the accident.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control on takeoff.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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