Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the takeoff. A factor in this accident was the crosswind condition.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On August 26, 2000, about 1110 Eastern Daylight Time, a homebuilt Wittman W10, N8470X, was substantially damaged during takeoff from the Valley City Flying Club Airport, Valley City, Ohio. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
The airplane was departing from Runway 18, a 2,700 foot long, 50 foot wide, turf runway.
According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll, the airplane began "swerving" due to wind gusts from the southeast. The pilot attempted to "straighten" the airplane; however, the right wing contacted the ground and separated.
Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any pre-impact malfunctions of the airframe or engine, nor did the pilot report any.
Winds reported at an airport 12 miles north-northeast of the accident site, at 1051, were from 210 degrees at 8 knots.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC00LA241