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July 14, 2013 · Universal Stinson 108-1 · N855F

Hector, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 14, 2013
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Hector, MN
Aircraft
Universal Stinson 108-1
Tail Number
N855F
Operator
Mark S Erickson
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN13CA412

During the takeoff roll, at about 50 knots, the airplane began to drift to the left. The pilot stated that as the airplane drifted to the left, she inadvertently tapped on the right brake, and then released the brake while adding right ailerons inputs. Corrections were made to maneuver the airplane back to the runway centerline. The right wingtip was lowered and impacted the ground 2 or 3 times. She continued to apply inputs to the right rudder pedal. The airplane nosed-over and sustained substantial damage to both wing spars and the vertical stabilizer. The second pilot stated that he didn’t know why the airplane responded as it did and was unsure if there were any malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident. He estimated the wind to be from the left at 5 knots. A postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no evidence of preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. As the pilot was making continuous rudder pedal inputs, it is likely that she inadvertently applied the brakes.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s inadvertent application of the brakes and failure to main directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the airplane nosing over.

Full Narrative

During the takeoff roll, at about 50 knots, the airplane began to drift to the left. The pilot stated that as the airplane drifted to the left, she inadvertently tapped on the right brake, and then released the brake while adding right ailerons inputs. Corrections were made to maneuver the airplane back to the runway centerline. The right wingtip was lowered and impacted the ground 2 or 3 times. She continued to apply inputs to the right rudder pedal. The airplane nosed-over and sustained substantial damage to both wing spars and the vertical stabilizer. The second pilot stated that he didn’t know why the airplane responded as it did and was unsure if there were any malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident. He estimated the wind to be from the left at 5 knots. A postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no evidence of preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:15 CDT
Nearest AirportHector Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway23
Runway Length2580 ft
Runway Width165 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftUniversal Stinson 108-1
Tail NumberN855F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMark S Erickson
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6A4150 SERIES · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 28 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 72 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 7000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time21:14
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data