N89VE

On July 23, 2004, approximately 0830 central daylight time, an Everett Vidrine Dragonfly single-engine homebuilt airplane, N89VE, was destroyed when it impacted trees and terrain following a loss of control during takeoff from St. Tammany Regional Airport (L31), near Covington, Louisiana. The private pilot, who was the registered owner and operator, and a passenger, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The 81-year old pilot stated that prior to departure, he topped off the fuel tanks. The pilot indicated the takeoff roll "used a lot of runway." Shortly after takeoff, the airplane impacted trees near the end of the runway, and came to rest south of the airport. The pilot reported he believed the airplane did not climb due to a high density altitude. In addition, the pilot stated there were no anomalies with the engine or airframe. According to the local authorities, the pilot reported that prior to the flight, the pilot completed a weight and balance, which was within gross weight limits. The pilot did not hold a valid medical certificate at the time of the accident.

A pilot-rated witness, who was in another airplane waiting for the accident airplane to depart, noted that during the takeoff, the pilot attempted to rotate at the mid-point of the runway. During rotation, the nose wheel briefly came off the runway, then sank back down onto the runway. The takeoff roll continued and the airplane became airborne near the end of the runway. The airplane slowly climbed, and became level with the treetops. The airplane then descended below the treetops and out of the witness's sight. The witness departed and attempted to contact the accident airplane; however, the transmission was not acknowledged. The witness circled the area and did not observe the airplane wreckage. The witness continued on with her flight and assumed the airplane had not crashed.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who responded to the accident site, the engine was separated, the wooden propeller was destroyed, and the fuselage was fragmented.

The calculated density altitude was 1,764 feet. The elevation at St. Tammany Regional Airport is 39 feet msl.