Pilot Debrief

JABIRU J250 near Louisville, GA — 2023-06-03

Final reportERA23LA268
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Date
2023-06-03
Location
Louisville, GA, USA
Airport
2J3
Aircraft
JABIRU J250
Registration
N828WD
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to take off in wind conditions that exceeded his ability to maintain directional control, resulting in a runway excursion and substantial damage to the airplane.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll, the airplane started to drift left of the runway centerline. He responded with right rudder; however, the airplane continued to drift to the left. He continued to add right rudder until the pedals reached the hard stop. The airplane departed the runway surface and entered a rough, grassy area. The airplane’s nose landing gear collapsed, and the wreckage came to rest nose down, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. A postaccident examination of the flight controls, wheel brakes, and tires did not reveal evidence of a preexisting mechanical malfunction or failure. The pilot reported that there were thunderstorms in the area. There was no wind information available for the departure airport; however, several airports in the area reported gusting wind conditions. The closest recorded observation noted distant lightning to the west. Based on this information, it is likely that the pilot encountered wind conditions that exceeded his ability to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.

Analysis

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

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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