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NTSB Report
March 11, 2003 · Piper PA-12 · N78559
Buena Vista, CO
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 11, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Buena Vista, CO
Aircraft
Piper PA-12
Tail Number
N78559
Operator
John M Cogswell
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN03LA048
A witness said the airplane was departing on runway 15, and exited the left side of the runway and subsequently descended a steep 100 foot embankment resulting in damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot said that a "gust of wind hit me just as I was lifting off." The local meteorologist said that the wind was 210 to 270 degrees at 15 knots and gusts to 21 knots..
NTSB Probable Cause
the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing factors were the crosswind weather condition and gusty wind condition.
Full Narrative
On March 11, 2003, at approximately 1200 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-12, N78559, was substantially damaged during takeoff from Central Colorado Regional Airport, Buena Vista, Colorado. The private pilot, the sole occupant in the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was being operated under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross-country flight that was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot had not filed a flight plan. A witness said the airplane was departing on runway 15, and exited the left side of the runway and went down a steep 100 foot embankment. The pilot said that a "gust of wind hit me just as I was lifting off." The local meteorologist said that the wind was 210 to 270 degrees 15 knots, gusting to 21 knots. The airplane's left wing was bent down, and the fuselage was bent and twisted.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 MST
Nearest AirportBuena Vista Muni Arpt (0nm)
Runway15
Runway Length8300 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-12
Tail NumberN78559
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohn M Cogswell
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 63 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 15 kt, gusting 21 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 19 C
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Observation Time19:00
Weather SourceWFAC