Pilot Debrief

CHRISTEN INDUSTRIES INC A 1 near Milton-Freewater, OR — 2017-01-10

Final reportGAA17CA110
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Date
2017-01-10
Location
Milton-Freewater, OR, USA
Aircraft
CHRISTEN INDUSTRIES INC A 1
Registration
N9598Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to take off from unsuitable terrain with a tailwind, which resulted in a nose-over.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while en route, the engine had "slight roughness," so he decided to land in an open snow-covered field on top of a hill to troubleshoot the issue. The pilot further reported that he resolved the engine issue on the ground and decided to take off downhill with a tailwind. During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported that he "noticed [wind] gust on the tail," the main landing gear were "sucked down" in a 1-ft-deep snow drift, and the airplane nosed over. The left wing, fuselage, and vertical stabilizer sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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