Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ERA10CA397

Zelienople, PA, USA

Aircraft #1

N4113M

LUSCOMBE 8C

Analysis

According to the pilot, during the takeoff ground roll the airplane encountered a sudden gust of wind and turned left. The pilot corrected with right rudder, but the airplane departed the runway and bounced several times before the right main landing gear collapsed and the right wing and fuselage were substantially damaged. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage and found no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane. The pilot further reported that wind at the airport was shifting.

Factual Information

According to the pilot, during the takeoff ground roll, he encountered a sudden gust of wind, turning the tailwheeled airplane to the left. The pilot corrected with right rudder, but the airplane departed the runway and bounced several times before the right main landing gear collapsed and the right wing and fuselage were substantially damaged. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage and did not note any pre-impact mechanical anomalies with the airplane. The pilot also reported that there were shifting winds at the airport, and that he might have attempted to take off in a tailwind because the wind tee was frozen in one position.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's loss of directional control while taking off with a gusting wind.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Get all the details on your iPhone or iPad with:

Aviation Accidents App

In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports