Summary
On July 25, 2013, a Piper PA-18 (N4249Z) was involved in an incident near Challis, ID. 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 failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll to the south he became distracted by a helicopter operation at the south end of the airport. It was about this time that he noticed the airplane yaw, which he over corrected for. The airplane subsequently departed the right side of the runway, then swerved back to the left. The right wing and right elevator impacted the ground and were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR13CA339. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N4249Z.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll to the south he became distracted by a helicopter operation at the south end of the airport. It was about this time that he noticed the airplane yaw, which he over corrected for. The airplane subsequently departed the right side of the runway, then swerved back to the left. The right wing and right elevator impacted the ground and were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no 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# WPR13CA339