Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the loss of visual reference due to the sun glare.
Aircraft Information
Analysis
The pilot was taking off from an unimproved grass airstrip to the west during the late afternoon. As the airplane crested a rise in the runway the pilot lost visual reference with the ground due to the sun being in his eyes. The pilot could not maintain directional control and struck a rut in the ground. The landing gear collapsed and the airplane came to rest on its belly, substantially damaging the firewall. The pilot did not indicate there were any mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN10CA539