Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ERA12CA040

Mebane, NC, USA

Aircraft #1

N3760H

ENGINEERING & RESEARCH 415-C

Analysis

The pilot/owner stated that, as he began to taxi the airplane, the wind shifted. During takeoff, the airplane reached rotation speed at the midpoint of the runway, but at rotation the airplane would not climb, and the pilot noticed a loss of airspeed but no loss of engine power. Suspecting a shift in wind direction, the pilot aborted the takeoff; however, the airplane overran the departure end of the runway and struck a ditch and an embankment, damaging the nose. According to the pilot, there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane prior to the accident. He also reported that the airplane's takeoff weight was 23 pounds below its maximum allowable gross weight.

Factual Information

The pilot/owner stated that prior to departing the grass strip oriented 140 degrees; the reported wind was from 250 degrees at 9 knots gusting to 18 knots. He also reported that the airplane's takeoff weight was 23 pounds below its maximum allowable gross weight. The airplane reached rotation speed at the midpoint of the runway, but at rotation the airplane would not climb, and the pilot noticed a loss of airspeed but no loss of engine power. The pilot aborted the takeoff, but the airplane overran the departure end and struck a ditch and an embankment. According to the pilot, there were no mechanical deficiencies with his airplane.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff.

 

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