AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A-1C-200
Laural, MT — December 24, 2013
Event Information
| Date | December 24, 2013 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR14CA076 |
| Event ID | 20131226X64419 |
| Location | Laural, MT |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 45.70583, -108.75667 |
| Airport | LAUREL MUNI |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC |
| Model | A-1C-200 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff with a gusting crosswind, which resulted in the collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's distraction when the door popped open.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that during takeoff with a gusting crosswind, he was surprised by the door popping open as the right wing lifted up. He attempted to level the wings but was unsuccessful. The left wing tip touched the grass beside the runway, the airplane pivoted around and the right landing gear collapsed as it made contact with the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wing and to the fuselage.
The pilot reported no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.