Summary
On July 14, 2011, a Piper PA-25-235 (N7709Z) was involved in an incident near Minot, ND. 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 inadequate inspection of the takeoff area which resulted in a collision with terrain and the subsequent loss of control during takeoff.
The pilot reported that he was departing from a gravel township road. He lowered the left wing during the takeoff roll due to a crosswind. The left spray boom hit a buildup of dirt that was concealed by tall grass on the side of the road. The airplane veered off the left side of the road and into the ditch which resulted in substantial damage to the wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure of the airplane.
This incident is documented in NTSB report CEN11CA477. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N7709Z.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadequate inspection of the takeoff area which resulted in a collision with terrain and the subsequent loss of control during takeoff.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that he was departing from a gravel township road. He lowered the left wing during the takeoff roll due to a crosswind. The left spray boom hit a buildup of dirt that was concealed by tall grass on the side of the road. The airplane veered off the left side of the road and into the ditch which resulted in substantial damage to the wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure of the airplane.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN11CA477