Summary
On October 12, 2013, a Aviat Aircraft INC A-1C-180 (N40WY) was involved in an incident near Rio Verde, AZ. All 2 people 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 on a rough and rutted surface.
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll on a dirt airstrip that was rutted and rough, the airplane veered to the left of centerline. The pilot tried to correct back to the right, however the left wing contacted brush on the side of the narrow airstrip. The airplane was subsequently pulled around and the left wing contacted the surface. Both wings and the fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR14CA015. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N40WY.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll on a rough and rutted surface.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll on a dirt airstrip that was rutted and rough, the airplane veered to the left of centerline. The pilot tried to correct back to the right, however the left wing contacted brush on the side of the narrow airstrip. The airplane was subsequently pulled around and the left wing contacted the surface. Both wings and the fuselage 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# WPR14CA015