Summary
On December 17, 2017, a Golden Circle Air T BIRD II (N5619Z) was involved in an incident near Wiscassett, ME. 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.
According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped, experimental airplane, the airplane bounced to the left side of the runway during the takeoff roll.
He thought that the airplane would "straighten itself out", however, the airplane's tail lifted, and the airplane continued to the left. The left main landing gear impacted a snowbank, and the airplane exited the left side of the runway. The airplane came to rest in the safety area.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
The METAR at the accident airport reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was variable at 4kts and the sky was clear.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA18CA105. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N5619Z.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped, experimental airplane, the airplane bounced to the left side of the runway during the takeoff roll.
He thought that the airplane would "straighten itself out", however, the airplane's tail lifted, and the airplane continued to the left. The left main landing gear impacted a snowbank, and the airplane exited the left side of the runway. The airplane came to rest in the safety area.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
The METAR at the accident airport reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was variable at 4kts and the sky was clear.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident 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# GAA18CA105