Accident Details
Date
Friday, November 26, 2010
NTSB Number
WPR11CA066
Location
Coalinga, CA
Event ID
20101130X22628
Coordinates
36.139720, -120.360275
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to remove the gust lock prior to takeoff.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Name
SPIRA GREG
Address
38 TWIN BROOKS TRL
City
CHESTER
State / Zip Code
NJ 07930-2818
Country
United States
Analysis
The pilot submitted a written statement. She said she did not conduct a control check prior to takeoff. During the departure roll when the airplane reached 70 miles per hour, she realized the gust lock was still installed. She attempted to remove it unsuccessfully and then reduced the throttle attempting to stop the airplane. The airplane went off the end of the runway, the nose gear separated, and it came to rest in a dirt field. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and right wing.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR11CA066