Pilot Debrief

BOWERS FLY BABY 1-A near Fallbrook, CA — 2012-03-04

Final reportWPR12LA122
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Date
2012-03-04
Location
Fallbrook, CA, USA
Airport
KL18
Aircraft
BOWERS FLY BABY 1-A
Registration
N41017
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot did not maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll.

NTSB narrative

The airplane veered off the left side of the runway during takeoff and struck an elevated runway light located 600 feet from the end of the runway. The airplane traveled over a shallow grass slope, impacted the hangar door nose first, and embedded itself into the hangar. Both wings separated from the fuselage. The pilot, who was seriously injured, could not recall the events of the accident. A postaccident examination of the airframe revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after losing control during takeoff roll.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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