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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 31, 2003 · Cessna 150 · N4424U

Dillon, MT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 31, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Dillon, MT
Aircraft
Cessna 150
Tail Number
N4424U
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA03LA091

During the last part of the takeoff roll, the aircraft encountered a crosswind and was pushed toward the side of the runway. Although he attempted to realign the aircraft with the runway, the pilot was unable to do so, and the aircraft departed the side of the runway surface. After departing the runway, the aircraft collided with a nearby fence. The pilot stated that he had been flying nose gear aircraft for 34 years, and simply needed more tailwheel experience, of which he had only 20 hours, before attempting a takeoff in crosswind conditions. He further stated that he did not believe there was anything wrong with the aircraft's flight controls or tailwheel steering mechanism.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, and his inadequate remedial actions during his attempt to realign the aircraft with the runway. Factors include a crosswind, and the pilot's lack of experience in tailwheel-equipped aircraft.

Full Narrative

On May 31, 2003, approximately 0930 mountain daylight time, a tailwheel-equipped Cessna 150, N4424U, collided with a fence during the takeoff roll at a private airstrip near Dillon, Montana. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured, but the aircraft, which is owned and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The intended 14 CFR Part 91 personal pleasure flight was planned to terminate at Salmon, Idaho. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was being operated in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan had been filed. There was no report of an ELT activation. According to the pilot, during the last part of the takeoff roll, the aircraft encountered a crosswind and was pushed toward the side of the runway. Although he attempted to realign the aircraft with the runway, the pilot was unable to do so, and the aircraft departed the side of the runway surface. After departing the runway, the aircraft collided with a nearby fence. The pilot stated that he had been flying nose gear aircraft for 34 years, and simply needed more tailwheel experience, of which he had only 20 hours, before attempting a takeoff in crosswind conditions. He further stated that he did not believe there was anything wrong with the aircraft's flight controls or tailwheel steering mechanism.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 MDT
Nearest AirportMcafee Airstrip (0nm)
Runway Length1400 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150
Tail NumberN4424U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 75 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data