Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain lateral control during takeoff, which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to make his first flight in an airplane he unfamiliar with before waiting for calm winds.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that, while taking off, the airplane, "suddenly jumped" about 30 ft into the air with a nose high attitude and rolled to the right. He corrected by, applying left and forward input on the flight controls. The airplane then rolled to the left. Attempting to level the wings, he reduced power and the airplane impacted terrain.
The pilot further reported that, it was his first flight in the experimental amateur-built airplane and should have waited for calm winds before trying first flight in unfamiliar aircraft.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, accident, the wind was from 360° at 12 knots. The airplane was departing from runway 34.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA20CA053