Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during takeoff. A factor in the accident was the repositioning of the control stick.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On July 21, 1997, about 1600 eastern daylight time, a Homebuilt Avid Mark IV, N913R, collided with a fence shortly after takeoff at the General Spain Airport, Memphis, Tennessee. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions existed, and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged.
The pilot stated to the FAA, that he had made some adjustments to the elevator pushrod to adjust the position of the control stick. During takeoff, at about 55 miles per hour the airplane lifted off due to the new stick position and he lost control. The airplane veered right and impacted a fence off the side of the runway.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ATL97LA111