Pilot Debrief

Jennings John C Mini Max near Clinton, SC — 2011-03-19

Final reportERA11LA208
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Date
2011-03-19
Location
Clinton, SC, USA
Aircraft
Jennings John C Mini Max
Registration
UNREG
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate performance planning, which resulted in a collision with a tree during takeoff.

NTSB narrative

According to a witness, as the amateur-built airplane began its takeoff climb, the left wing hit a small tree. The airplane then tilted to the left and collided with larger trees before impacting the ground. An examination of the accident site revealed that the takeoff area was adjacent to the pilot’s home. The takeoff area had 150 yards of cleared trees with 100-foot-tall trees on both ends of the clearing. The left wing impacted a tree approximately 20 above ground level, shearing off about half of the wing; the airplane then impacted larger trees before colliding with the ground. The non-certificated pilot likely did not have sufficient clearance from obstacles to perform a takeoff.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen a different takeoff area to avoid trees.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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