AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT 8KCAB near Beverly, MA — 2012-03-04

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of airplane control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he did not align the tailwheel-equipped airplane with the runway before applying power. During the takeoff roll, the airplane drifted off the side of the runway and nosed down. A postaccident examination revealed that the airplane had sustained substantial damage to the fuselage in the vicinity of the right main landing gear attachment point. The pilot did not report any mechanical abnormalities of the airplane. The pilot had recently received a tailwheel endorsement.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Takeoff

Evidence available

• 5 docket documents

Docket documents5

• FAA Phone Coversation with Pilotother
• Memorandum of Record - Communication Attempt with Pilotother
• Right side of Airplane (Courtesy of the FAA)other
• Weatherother
• Reports from Local Agencies - Airportreport

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