Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON STEWART J BEARHAWK near Calhan, CO — 2016-10-07

Final reportGAA17CA016
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Date
2016-10-07
Location
Calhan, CO, USA
Airport
5V4
Aircraft
ROBINSON STEWART J BEARHAWK
Registration
N507SR
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during a touch-and-go landing on a turf airstrip, he applied power for takeoff, the airplane drifted left, and he applied right aileron and left rudder. As the airplane accelerated, it began drifting farther left until it departed the runway onto the grass. The pilot reported that the airspeed was about 60 mph and that he felt he could fly out of the situation. However, he realized the airplane was approaching a hill with trees and a house too quickly and would not clear the trees. He then applied right rudder and the airplane turned 90° toward the runway and began to skid. The airplane skidded across the runway and hit a ditch. The left landing gear collapsed followed by the right, and the airplane skidded to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located about 14 miles southwest of the accident site revealed that, at 1255, the wind was from 190° at 13 knots, gusting to 21 knots. The airplane landed on runway 17.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff when drifting left on the runway.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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