N232PF

Substantial
None

Fagan BearHawkS/N: BH232-7

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
NTSB Number
WPR09CA240
Location
Hadley, NV
Event ID
20090513X04744
Coordinates
38.694168, -117.146942
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 inadequate compensation for the gusting crosswinds during takeoff.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
FAGAN
Serial Number
BH232-7
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2003
Model / ICAO
BearHawk
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
BEARHAWK

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
FAGAN PATRICK J
Address
PO BOX 433
City
PAULDEN
State / Zip Code
AZ 86334-0433
Country
United States

Analysis

In a written statement, the pilot reported that prior to departure in his tailwheel-equipped airplane, he observed the windsock. It was indicating strong winds perpendicular to the runway and variable gusts. He stated that he waited until he saw a favorable (headwind) gust and then applied takeoff power. During the takeoff roll, the airplane encountered a strong gust of wind from the right, which lifted the right wing and the left wing struck the runway. The airplane pivoted to the left, veered off the runway surface, and impacted a dirt berm. The airplane sustained structural damage to the wings. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine. The nearest weather reporting station, located 38 nautical miles south of the accident airport, reported winds at the time of the accident were at 3.3 miles per hour (mph) gusting to 14.3 mph.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR09CA240