Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to properly monitor the environment during the departure from a gravel parking area and runway, which resulted in the airplane’s collision with a mound of gravel.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that a large pile of gravel had been left on the parking area that was close to the start of the runway. This pile was not in line with the starting point of the runway, but close to it. From where the pilot had his airplane parked he could see the two signs marking the runway and directly in the center was the pile of gravel that blended into the terrain. The pilot reported that he began his takeoff roll from this gravel parking area and collided with the pile of gravel at full power, but not yet takeoff speed. The left wing, firewall and engine mounts were substantially damaged.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR12CA179