N2699G

Substantial
None

Smith, Ted Aerostar Aerostar 601S/N: 61-0163-083

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
NTSB Number
CHI08CA048
Location
Elyria, OH
Event ID
20080115X00053
Coordinates
41.344165, -82.177497
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's momentary loss of control after takeoff, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a tree. A contributing factor was the presence of the tree.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N2699G
Make
SMITH, TED AEROSTAR
Serial Number
61-0163-083
Year Built
1974
Model / ICAO
Aerostar 601

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
TURBINE AIRCRAFT MARKETING INC
Address
4550 JIMMY DOOLITTLE DR
Status
Deregistered
City
ADDISON
State / Zip Code
TX 75001-3270
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that he departed on an instrument flight rules flight plan into a low overcast cloud ceiling. He commented that he lost visual contact with the ground immediately upon liftoff. During the initial climb, the airplane momentarily entered a nose-down attitude. He subsequently corrected the nose down attitude. However, as the airplane began to climb again the right wing impacted a tree. This occurred approximately 1 mile from the airport and within 1 minute of takeoff. After the in-flight collision, he had "full function" of the airplane and elected to continue the planned 31-minute flight to the intended destination. He added that there were no anomalies related to flight control or engine operation during the flight. A post accident inspection revealed impact damage to the leading edge of the right wing, right engine nacelle, and right propeller spinner. In addition, the inspection revealed a 3-inch crack in the aft wing spar at the right main landing gear wheel well.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI08CA048