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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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January 14, 1997 · John T Garrett BABY Great Lakes BABY Great · N1030G

El Paso, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 14, 1997
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
El Paso, TX
Aircraft
John T Garrett BABY Great Lakes BABY Great
Tail Number
N1030G
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW97LA082

The pilot reported that after a normal run-up at the hold short line, he taxied onto the runway and lined up on centerline for takeoff. With the 'stick just forward of neutral, and maintaining directional control with rudders', he slowly added power and began his takeoff roll. As the tail wheel lifted off the ground, he 'went to full power (2,500 RPM).' Subsequently, the airplane began to slide sideways toward the left side of the runway, and just as flying airspeed was attained, the aircraft 'began to porpoise.' After departing the runway surface, the airplane struck a fence and a sand dune, coming to rest inverted. According to the pilot, the entire event took about 5-10 seconds, and the airplane traveled 500 feet. The pilot/owner reported no mechanical problems with the aircraft.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control during takeoff.

Full Narrative

On January 14, 1997, approximately 1230 central standard time, a Garrett Baby Great Lakes homebuilt experimental bi-plane (tail wheel), N1030G, was substantially damaged following a loss of control during take off, from West Texas Airport, El Paso, Texas. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant and owner, received minor injuries. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot reported that after a normal run-up at the hold short line, he taxied onto the runway and lined up on centerline for take off. With the "stick just forward of neutral, and maintaining directional control with rudders", he slowly added power and began his take off roll. As the tail wheel lifted off the ground, he "went to full power (2,500 RPM)." Subsequently, the airplane began to slide sideways toward the left side of the runway, and just as flying airspeed was attained, the aircraft "began to porpoise." After departing the runway surface, the airplane struck a fence and a sand dune, coming to rest inverted. According to the pilot, the entire event took about 5-10 seconds, and the airplane traveled 500 feet. The pilot/owner reported no mechanical problems with the aircraft. The aircraft sustained structural damage to the upper and lower left wings.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 MST
Nearest AirportWest Texas (0nm)
Runway26
Runway Length4035 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftJohn T Garrett BABY Great Lakes BABY Great
Tail NumberN1030G
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-85 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 62 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 6 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data