N9855B

Substantial
Serious

Champion 7FCS/N: 7FC-349

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, October 4, 2018
NTSB Number
ERA19CA002
Location
Myakka City, FL
Event ID
20181004X64810
Coordinates
27.411666, -82.154167
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an obstacle during takeoff.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N9855B
Make
CHAMPION
Serial Number
7FC-349
Model / ICAO
7FC

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
HERTENSTEIN DENNIS
Address
507 DUQUE RD
Status
Deregistered
City
LUTZ
State / Zip Code
FL 33549-7602
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported he had been working at an off-airport site installing concrete columns and was departing from the site in the tailwheel-equipped accident airplane. During takeoff from the field, he turned to avoid trees at the end of the field and impacted a concrete column. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed the right wing and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. He stated he had experience taking off on grass, but he had not left enough room to gain sufficient altitude for obstacle clearance.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA19CA002