Aviation Accident Summary CEN09CA251

Great Bend, KS, USA

Aircraft #1

N84DT

AVIAT A-1B

Analysis

To avoid taking off from a wet field, the pilot said he elected to takeoff to the southwest on Kansas Highway 156 at its intersection with U.S. Highway 56. Just as the wheels lifted off, a "strong wind gust raised the left wing." This turned (groundlooped) the airplane to the right (west) and it struck a dirt embankment and a chain link fence. Both wings and the forward portion of the fuseage were buckled.

Factual Information

To avoid taking off from a wet field, the pilot said that he elected to take off to the southwest on Kansas Highway 156 at its intersection with U.S. Highway 56. Just as the wheels lifted off, a "strong wind gust raised the left wing." This turned (groundlooped) the airplane to the right (west) and it struck a dirt embankment and a chain link fence. Both wings and the forward portion of the fuseage were buckled.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff in gusting wind conditions.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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