CircumFlightN575DG Eggleston Daniel S-18 THORP accident
NTSB GAA18CA523 · 2018-09-01 · Porterville, CA · near PTV
Docket — crew, injuries and powerplant
Summary
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff, he advanced the throttle to full power, maintained the runway centerline, and began to raise the tail. He added that, about 60 mph, the airplane suddenly turned left. He applied full right rudder to no avail. Subsequently, the airplane continued to veer left, exited the runway into plowed dirt, and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system at the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was variable at 3 knots. The pilot was departing from runway 30.
Full narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff, he advanced the throttle to full power, maintained the runway centerline, and began to raise the tail. He added that about 60 mph, the airplane suddenly turned left. He applied full right rudder to no avail. Subsequently, the airplane continued to veer left, exited the runway into plowed dirt, and nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and vertical stabilizer.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system at the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was variable at 3 knots. The pilot was departing on runway 30.
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident.
Circumstances
- Event type
- Accident
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Weather conditions
- Visual Meteorological Cond
- Light condition
- Day
- Sky condition
- NONE
- Ceiling (ft)
- 0
- Visibility (sm)
- 8
- Wind direction
- 0
- Temperature (F)
- 75
- Nearest airport
- PORTERVILLE MUNI
- Distance from field
- 0.0
- Airport elevation
- 443
Aircraft
| Registration | Make | Model | Damage | FAR part |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N575DG | Eggleston Daniel | S-18 THORP | SUBS | 091 |
Sequence of events
| # | Occurrence | Phase |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Takeoff Loss of control on ground defining | Takeoff |
| 2 | Takeoff Attempted remediation/recovery | Takeoff |
| 3 | Takeoff Runway excursion | Takeoff |
| 4 | Takeoff Nose over/nose down | Takeoff |