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September 4, 2012 · Schneider John W PT-2A · N6744J

Watkins, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 4, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Watkins, CO
Aircraft
Schneider John W PT-2A
Tail Number
N6744J
Operator
Schneider John W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12CA627

After a preflight inspection of the tailwheeled airplane, the pilot did a run up, verified flight controls, checked engine instruments, and set his flight instruments. The pilot slowly applied full power and began the takeoff roll on the runway center line. Just after the tail lifted off the ground, an unexpected wind gust came from the right and the airplane veered to the left of centerline. The pilot began corrections by applying right rudder and another gust of wind raised the right wing; the airplane veered further to the left. The pilot pulled the throttle to idle in an attempt to slow down and abort the takeoff. As the airplane began to stabilize, the pilot thought that he could continue the takeoff so he began to apply full throttle, but the airplane continued to veer to the left. The pilot then immediately pulled the throttle back to idle as the airplane departed the left side of the runway. The pilot thought that he had the airplane under control at that point. While rolling on dirt aside the runway surface, the tailwheel ran over a hole and dug into the dirt and the right main wheel dug into the dirt. The pilot said that this caused the airplane to stop rolling forward. The airplane started to slide sideways and the right wing hit the ground, resulting in structural damage to the wing. The airplane came to a stop and the pilot exited the airplane uninjured. After the accident, the pilot stated that if the tailwheel of the airplane had not dug into the hole, he could have salvaged the runway departure without damage to the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's loss of control during takeoff resulting in a runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was an unexpected wind gust.

Full Narrative

After a preflight inspection of the tailwheeled airplane, the pilot did a run up, verified flight controls, checked engine instruments, and set his flight instruments. The pilot slowly applied full power and began the takeoff roll on the runway center line. Just after the tail lifted off the ground, an unexpected wind gust came from the right and the airplane veered to the left of centerline. The pilot began corrections by applying right rudder and another gust of wind raised the right wing the airplane veered further to the left. The pilot pulled the throttle to idle in an attempt to slow down and abort the takeoff. As the airplane began to stabilize, the pilot thought that he could continue the takeoff so he began to apply full throttle, but the airplane continued to veer to the left. The pilot then immediately pulled the throttle back to idle as the airplane departed the left side of the runway. The pilot thought that he had the airplane under control at that point. While rolling on dirt aside the runway surface, the tailwheel ran over a hole and dug into the dirt and the right main wheel dug into the dirt. The pilot said that this caused the airplane to stop rolling forward. The airplane started to slide sideways and the right wing hit the ground, resulting in structural damage to the wing. The airplane came to a stop and the pilot exited the airplane uninjured. After the accident, the pilot stated that if the tailwheel of the airplane had not dug into the hole, he could have salvaged the runway departure without damage to the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:00 MDT
Nearest AirportFront Range (0nm)
Runway17
Runway Length8000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchneider John W PT-2A
Tail NumberN6744J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSchneider John W
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · 0-235 SERIES · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 68 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 8 kt, gusting 3 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 45 C
Altimeter30.18 inHg
Observation Time19:47
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data