Pilot Debrief

AMERICAN AA 1 near Peyton, CO — 2014-04-21

Final reportCEN14LA221
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Date
2014-04-21
Location
Peyton, CO, USA
Airport
FLY
Aircraft
AMERICAN AA 1
Registration
N481HY
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The loss of directional control during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined due to the extent of fire damage.

NTSB narrative

During the second takeoff on a maintenance test flight following an annual inspection, the airplane accelerated on the main landing gear with the tail wheel off the ground. The airplane then "aggressively veered left," and the pilot applied full right rudder to correct the path. However, the airplane continued to veer left, exited the runway, impacted runway signs and terrain, and a postcrash fire ensued. The fire precluded examination of the airplane systems.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have conducted a more thorough preflight inspection of the brakes.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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