Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an aborted takeoff. Contributing to the accident were the crosswind weather conditions and the high density altitude conditions.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot was departing on runway 33 with 6 passengers for an aerial tour. He reported that as the airplane became airborne, it encountered a wind gust that caused the airplane to settle back to the runway. The pilot elected to abort the takeoff. During the braking attempt, the main tires were blown and the airplane skidded sideways. Subsequently the airplane's left elevator was wrinkled/bent when it impacted a runway end light. The pilot reported the wind from 260 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 18 knots; he reported the density altitude to be 7,100 feet. The reported weather conditions at the airport, approximately 20 minutes before the accident, were winds variable from 200 to 270 degrees at 8 knots. Approximately 40 minutes after the accident, the wind was reported to be from 220 degrees at 9 knots, gusting to 16 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# LAX08CA180