Summary
On October 25, 2009, a Elkins Christen Eagle II (N78E) was involved in an incident near Athens, KY. All 1 person 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 improper liftoff, resulting in a collision with the ground during climbout.
The pilot stated that during takeoff from the turf runway, he became airborne at "lower than normal" airspeed. The pilot lowered the airplane's nose to gain airspeed, and the airplane's main landing gear contacted the ground. He reported hearing a "metallic sound" and "suspected damage to the right wheel pant." The pilot proceeded with the takeoff, and chose to circle the airport and land to inspect the damage. According to the pilot, the approach to landing was normal and the touchdown was "firm but within normal range." Upon touchdown, both left and right main landing gears collapsed, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ERA10CA033. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N78E.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper liftoff, resulting in a collision with the ground during climbout.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot stated that during takeoff from the turf runway, he became airborne at "lower than normal" airspeed. The pilot lowered the airplane's nose to gain airspeed, and the airplane's main landing gear contacted the ground. He reported hearing a "metallic sound" and "suspected damage to the right wheel pant." The pilot proceeded with the takeoff, and chose to circle the airport and land to inspect the damage. According to the pilot, the approach to landing was normal and the touchdown was "firm but within normal range." Upon touchdown, both left and right main landing gears collapsed, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the airplane after the accident reported identifying no mechanical malfunctions.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA10CA033