Pilot Debrief

GLOBE GC-1B near Clyo, GA — 2010-09-18

Final reportERA10LA483
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Date
2010-09-18
Location
Clyo, GA, USA
Airport
9GA1
Aircraft
GLOBE GC-1B
Registration
N3348K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain a proper aircraft pitch attitude during the takeoff roll, which allowed the tailwheel to contact the grass runway and increase drag on the airplane.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and pilot-rated passenger were departing in a tailwheel-equipped airplane from the grass runway. The pilot reported that the engine lost power after the airplane broke ground with the runway. He pulled back on the control yoke to avoid striking departure end trees head-on; however, the airplane collided with the trees past the departure end of the runway. The passenger reported a lack of acceleration during the initial climb, that the engine rpm was about 2,650 to 2,700, and engine sounds were normal. A video taken of the takeoff roll indicated that the pilot allowed the tailwheel to drop back down and contact the grass for about three seconds before the video ended. The engine sound on the video was consistent with normal engine operation. A postaccident examination of the engine and airframe did not reveal any evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff when engine power loss was first noticed.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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