Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary BFO95LA099

YOUNGSTOWN, OH, USA

Aircraft #1

N122DP

DEANGELO KITFOX SPEEDSTER

Analysis

The pilot reported that he had just '...completed my 40 hours of solo time...' and was making his first flight with a passenger when the accident occurred. The pilot stated that he '...began the take off roll [and] the plane started to go slightly left. I apparently over controlled [the airplane and] the plane ground looped.... ' The pilot stated that his unfamiliarity with the 'possible quirks' of the airplane, and the additional weight in the airplane may have been factors in this accident.

Factual Information

On September 28, 1995, at 1730 eastern daylight time, a DeAngelo Kitfox Speedster, N122DP, piloted by the owner/operator, sustained substantial damage when it veered off the left side of runway 28 during the takeoff roll at Youngstown Elser Metro Airport, in Youngstown, Ohio. The pilot and one passenger, the sole occupants, reported no injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, no flight plan was filed. The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that, on the morning of the flight he had just completed his "...40 hours of solo time..." and he was taking his first passenger for a ride. The pilot reported that, "...as I began the takeoff roll the plane started to go slightly left." The pilot remarked that, he "...apparently over controlled [and] the plane ground looped... ." The pilot stated that the winds were calm, and that the "...entire 'flight' took approximately 5 to 10 seconds."

Probable Cause and Findings

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll. A related factor was the pilot's lack of familiarity with the aircraft while carrying a passenger.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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