Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ERA12CA492

Albion, NY, USA

Aircraft #1

N53953

FAIRCHILD M-62A

Analysis

The pilot stated that shortly after takeoff the airplane veered to the left due to a gust of wind. The pilot attempted to realign the airplane with the runway centerline but was unsuccessful and landed in a soybean field. Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the airplane firewall and engine mounts. The pilot reported a quartering tailwind about the time of the accident. The examination showed no evidence of preexisting mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane, and the pilot did not report any.

Factual Information

The pilot stated that shortly after takeoff the airplane veered to the left due to a gust of wind. The pilot attempted to realign the airplane with the runway centerline, but was unsuccessful and collided in a soybean field. The pilot reported a quartering tailwind about the time of the accident. Meteorological reports from a nearby airport indicated winds out of 210 degrees at 6 knots roughly 6 minutes prior to the accident. Post-accident examination revealed substantial damage to the airplane firewall and engine mounts. The examination showed no evidence of preexisting mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane, and the pilot did not report any.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while taking off in gusting wind conditions.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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