Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE CROSSWIND AND HIS FAILURE TO PUSH THE PROPELLER LEVER FULL FORWARD. FACTORS WERE THE CROSSWIND AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE BEFORE TAKEOFF CHECKLIST.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On July 31, 1994, at 0847 central daylight time, a Boeing A75, N60459, was substantially damaged during takeoff near Comfort, Texas. The private pilot sustained minor injuries and his passenger was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight.
According to witnesses, "the engine sounded like it was producing full power during the takeoff roll; however, the airplane appeared to accelerate at a very slow rate and the takeoff roll was much longer than any normal Stearman." The pilot stated that after completion of the run up, he forgot to push the propeller lever to the full forward position.
The wind for the takeoff from runway 35 was from 270 degrees at an estimated speed of 10 knots. The pilot added that the left main landing gear came off the asphalt shoulder of the runway and the tire impacted a rut which caused the airplane to swerve to the left towards the hangar. The aircraft struck the roof of the hangar followed by the right wing impacting a utility pole and windsock near the departure end of the airstrip.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW94LA254