Summary
On May 31, 2005, a Aermacchi Bosbok AM 3-C (N8ME) was involved in an incident near Marfa, TX. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to attain adequate airspeed, and his premature liftoff resulting in a loss of directional control.
On May 30, 2005, at 1800 Central Standard Time, an experimental Aermacchi Bosbok AM 3-C, single engine airplane, N8ME, sustained substantial damage during takeoff at the Marfa Municipal Airport (MRF), near Marfa, Texas. The private pilot/owner and the passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
In a written statement, the pilot stated that he lost directional control on takeoff from Runway 30 (a 6,214-foot-long and 75 -foot- wide asphalt runway) and struck a visual approach slope indicator (VASI) light with the left stabilizer/elevator. He stated "I believe the cause of the accident was pilot error.
This incident is documented in NTSB report DFW05CA148. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N8ME.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to attain adequate airspeed, and his premature liftoff resulting in a loss of directional control.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On May 30, 2005, at 1800 Central Standard Time, an experimental Aermacchi Bosbok AM 3-C, single engine airplane, N8ME, sustained substantial damage during takeoff at the Marfa Municipal Airport (MRF), near Marfa, Texas. The private pilot/owner and the passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
In a written statement, the pilot stated that he lost directional control on takeoff from Runway 30 (a 6,214-foot-long and 75 -foot- wide asphalt runway) and struck a visual approach slope indicator (VASI) light with the left stabilizer/elevator. He stated "I believe the cause of the accident was pilot error. High density altitude and lifting the tail too soon without attaining enough airspeed."
The pilot reported a total of 5,855 flight hours, of which 15 hours were in the same make and model in the 90 days preceding the accident.
Weather at Marfa Municipal Airport, at 1755, was reported as wind from 260 degrees at 6 knots, visibility 8 miles, clear skies, temperature 84 degrees Fahrenheit, and dewpoint 42 degrees Fahrenheit.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DFW05CA148