N41831

Substantial
None

GAGE MIDGET MUSTANG MM-1S/N: HG1

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, August 11, 2012
NTSB Number
CEN12CA537
Location
Erie, CO
Event ID
20120813X12753
Coordinates
40.010276, -105.046386
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind conditions during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N41831
Make
GAGE
Serial Number
HG1
Year Built
1974
Model / ICAO
MIDGET MUSTANG MM-1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
RATSCH KURT
Address
1041 E 130TH PL
Status
Deregistered
City
THORNTON
State / Zip Code
CO 80241-1174
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that he had just purchased the single-seat airplane and that he had discussed the operation of the airplane with the previous owner. The pilot stated that this was the first flight in the airplane for him; the wind was calm when he lined up for takeoff and as he started the takeoff roll, a left quartering wind blew the airplane off the runway. The pilot further stated that once the airplane’s wheel got onto the grass he was unable to correct the turn. The airplane continued off the runway, impacted a ditch, and nosed over, coming to rest inverted. The airplane received substantial damage to its vertical stabilizer and fuselage during 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# CEN12CA537