Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA17CA264

Pedro Bay, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N9510K

STINSON 108

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll on a dirt airstrip, the tailwheel-equipped airplane veered to the right. He added that he "could not see [the] right edge of [the] strip due to [the] tail being low and [the] contour of [the] terrain descending away"; therefore, "corrective measures were not applied." Subsequently, the airplane veered off the right side of the runway, impacted small shrubs/trees and a large rock, and then came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll on a dirt airstrip, the tailwheel-equipped airplane veered to the right. He added that he "could not see [the] right edge of [the] strip due to [the] tail being low and [the] contour of [the] terrain descending away"; therefore, "corrective measures were not applied". Subsequently, the airplane veered off the right side of the runway, encountered small shrubs/trees and a large rock. The airplane came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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