Summary
On April 15, 2009, a Aviat A-1B (N84DT) was involved in an accident near Great Bend, KS. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff in gusting wind conditions.
To avoid taking off from a wet field, the pilot said that he elected to take off to the southwest on Kansas Highway 156 at its intersection with U.S. Highway 56. Just as the wheels lifted off, a "strong wind gust raised the left wing." This turned (groundlooped) the airplane to the right (west) and it struck a dirt embankment and a chain link fence. Both wings and the forward portion of the fuseage were buckled.
This accident is documented in NTSB report CEN09CA251. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N84DT.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff in gusting wind conditions.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
To avoid taking off from a wet field, the pilot said that he elected to take off to the southwest on Kansas Highway 156 at its intersection with U.S. Highway 56. Just as the wheels lifted off, a "strong wind gust raised the left wing." This turned (groundlooped) the airplane to the right (west) and it struck a dirt embankment and a chain link fence. Both wings and the forward portion of the fuseage were buckled.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA251