Pilot Debrief

Helio H 295 near Great Falls, MT — 2018-08-11

Final reportGAA18CA481
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Date
2018-08-11
Location
Great Falls, MT, USA
Airport
GTF
Aircraft
Helio H 295
Registration
N77TR
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control of the airplane during takeoff in a quartering tailwind.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff, the right wing lifted "unexpectedly." He attempted to recover, but the left main landing gear sideloaded and collapsed. The left wing impacted the runway, and the airplane rotated to the left 180° and came to rest on the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 7 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 320° at 14 knots. The airplane was departing from runway 21.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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