Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot-in-command's improper decision to takeoff uphill, on a short runway with 50-foot high utility wires at the end, at a high gross weight. Factors were the high weight and uphill terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On July 9, 2000, about 1350 Eastern Daylight Time, a Flightstar II, a homebuilt airplane, N6057U, was substantially damage during takeoff from a private airstrip near Greenland, New Hampshire. The certificated student pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
The pilot stated he made a "big mistake". The weight of the airplane was "high", and he attempted to takeoff up-slope. The airplane struck utility wires at the end of the airstrip, and came to rest in a field. The pilot added that if he had departed the airstrip in the opposite direction, he would have "made it".
The right seat passenger stated that he weighed 200 pounds, and that the pilot was aware of the passenger's weight. The passenger added that the gross takeoff weight exceeded the aircraft limitations; and that the up-sloping 2,000-foot long turf runway, and 50-foot high utility wires at the departure end, were factors in the accident. The passenger further stated that the airplane performed well, but was not able to clear the obstacles.
Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any. The inspector observed damage to both wings and the fuselage. The inspector added that the pilot did not have a pilot logbook, or any endorsements from a certified flight instructor. Additionally, the airplane had an airworthiness restriction that all flights must originate and end at Orange County Airport (MGJ), Montgomery, New York. The flights were not to exceed more than 25 nautical miles from MGJ.
According to the kit manufacturer, the make and model airplane had a basic empty weight of 385 pounds. It had a 10-gallon fuel capacity, and a maximum gross takeoff weight of 950 pounds. However, the exact basic empty weight of the accident airplane could differ from the manufacturer's advertisement.
After a verbal and written request, the pilot failed to complete and return the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC00LA186