Summary
On April 16, 1994, a Jacobson SE5A REPLICA (N38111) was involved in an incident near Rosenberg, TX. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER COMPENSATION FOR THE WINDS. A FACTOR WAS THE TAILWIND.
On April 16, 1994, at 1500 central daylight time, a Jacobson SE5A, N38111, was substantially damaged during takeoff at Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, Rosenberg, Texas. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight.
The pilot/operator report stated the following information. The pilot taxied the airplane to a position in the grass 200 feet prior to the runway to provide for a total takeoff distance of 720 feet. "This airplane normally will takeoff in about 300 feet." During the takeoff roll to the northwest the tail came off the ground prior to reaching 200 feet. When the pilot started his rotation 100 feet further down the runway, the tail descended back onto the runway surface.
This incident is documented in NTSB report FTW94LA137. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N38111.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER COMPENSATION FOR THE WINDS. A FACTOR WAS THE TAILWIND.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On April 16, 1994, at 1500 central daylight time, a Jacobson SE5A, N38111, was substantially damaged during takeoff at Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, Rosenberg, Texas. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight.
The pilot/operator report stated the following information. The pilot taxied the airplane to a position in the grass 200 feet prior to the runway to provide for a total takeoff distance of 720 feet. "This airplane normally will takeoff in about 300 feet." During the takeoff roll to the northwest the tail came off the ground prior to reaching 200 feet. When the pilot started his rotation 100 feet further down the runway, the tail descended back onto the runway surface. The wind changed from a right 45 degree 5-15 knot crosswind at the beginning of the takeoff roll, to a 90 degree crosswind at rotation, and continued clockwise to a down wind condition. The airplane went off the departure end of the runway into a terraced field, the pilot made a left turn to avoid a ditch, and the airplane ground looped.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW94LA137