Pilot Debrief

SEWELL WILLIAM K ZODIAC 601 near Clarksville, VA — 2016-03-29

Final reportGAA16CA167
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Date
2016-03-29
Location
Clarksville, VA, USA
Airport
W63
Aircraft
SEWELL WILLIAM K ZODIAC 601
Registration
N601BZ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in the airplane drifting to the left of the runway and impacting trees.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during takeoff the airplane began to drift to the left immediately after rotation. The pilot further reported that he applied right aileron, but the drift continued and the airplane's left main landing gear struck a tree within a tree line about 100 feet to the left of the runway. After the impact, the airplane sank further into the trees and came to rest slightly nose high and left wing down. The fuselage, both wings, and horizontal stabilizer were substantially damaged. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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