Pilot Debrief

FURLONG CA-6 near Manville, NJ — 2020-07-14

Final reportERA20CA252
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Date
2020-07-14
Location
Manville, NJ, USA
Airport
47N
Aircraft
FURLONG CA-6
Registration
N12LF
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A loss of directional control on takeoff for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot had just flown his tailwheel equipped airplane into the airport to purchase fuel, where the flight was uneventful. After purchasing fuel, the pilot performed another flight control check and initiated the takeoff. During the takeoff roll, as the tail came off the ground, the airplane began to pull to the left. The pilot continued with the takeoff but as the airplane climbed to about 40 ft above the ground, it continued to pull left despite right rudder and aileron input. The pilot was unable to stop the turn and attempted to land the airplane. The airplane struck a chain link fence adjacent to airport property and flipped over resulting in substantial damage to both wings, right horizontal stabilizer and elevator, vertical stabilizer and rudder. A postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintenance inspector confirmed flight control continuity between the cockpit controls and all primary flight controls, including the rudder. Further inspection revealed that the right rudder pedals were displaced full right; however, impact damage of the rudder precluded the ability to conclusively verify proper system operation. The pilot reported that he had no previous operational or mechanical issues with the rudder prior to the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff when the airplane began to pull left.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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