Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ERA12CA403

Selinsgrove, PA, USA

Aircraft #1

N2052K

LUSCOMBE 8E

Analysis

The pilot reported that the airplane suddenly veered to the left during the takeoff roll and that he was unable to stop the airplane before it departed the left side of the runway. A witness at the airport observed the airplane airborne over the grass area between the runway and taxiway, and the right wing struck the ground. The airplane then bounced on the right and left main landing gears before coming to rest on the grass. The airplane's right wing was substantially damaged. Postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that the airplane suddenly veered to the left during the takeoff roll and he was unable to stop before it departed the left side of the runway. A witness at the airport observed the airplane airborne over the grass area between the runway and taxiway, when the right wing struck the ground. The airplane then bounced on the right and left main landing gears, before coming to rest on the grass. The airplane's right wing was substantially damaged. Post accident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during the takeoff.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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