Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain to take off after making a precautionary landing.
Aircraft Information
Analysis
The pilot elected to perform a precautionary landing in a field due to a rough running engine. He inspected the engine and determined that he could fly the airplane back to the airport. The airplane was moved to a nearby gravel road for takeoff. During the takeoff, the left wing contacted high grass and rising terrain which bordered both sides of the road. The airplane's left wing began to drag and then the airplane cartwheeled approximately 180 degrees causing substantial damage to the airplane's right upper and lower wings and right elevator. The landing gear span on the airplane was approximately 8 feet, the road was approximately 15 feet wide, and the wingspan was about 25 feet.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN11CA400