Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA18CA242

Eagle Lake, TX, USA

Aircraft #1

N66SK

SENO LOUIS C SR KIS

Analysis

According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll, the airplane encountered a left crosswind gust, and the right wing struck the grass on the right side of the runway. The airplane pivoted about the right wing, and the propeller struck the ground. The airplane exited the right side of the runway and came to rest upright. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing spar. The pilot reported that there were 12-knot wind gusts about the time of the accident. The METAR nearest the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 140° at 6 knots, gusting to 13 knots. The takeoff roll was initiated on runway 17. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll, the airplane encountered a left crosswind gust and the right wing struck the grass on the right side of the runway. The airplane pivoted about the right wing and the propeller struck the ground. The airplane exited the right side of the runway and came to rest upright. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing spar. The pilot reported that there were 12 knot wind gusts about the time of the accident. The METAR nearest the accident site reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 140° at 6 knots, gusting to 13 knots. The takeoff roll was initiated on runway 17. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting crosswind conditions.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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