Pilot Debrief

Murphy Aircraft Elite near Batavia, NY — 2011-07-16

Final reportERA11LA403
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Date
2011-07-16
Location
Batavia, NY, USA
Airport
GVQ
Aircraft
Murphy Aircraft Elite
Registration
N113SM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

The pilot was flying the airplane for its first flight after being "rebuilt." After a preflight inspection, which included engine run-ups and a high-speed taxi, the pilot commenced the takeoff. When the airplane was about 8 to 10 inches off the ground, the pilot felt the airplane being pulled up and to the left. He lost control of the airplane, and the left wing struck the ground. The airplane nosed over and came to rest off the left side of the runway. A postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage. Postaccident examination verified flight control continuity to the rudder and elevator. Further examination of the aileron revealed that the aileron control rod end fractured due to overstress during the impact sequence.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff when feeling the airplane being pulled up and to the left.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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