GOLDEN CIRCLE AIR T BIRD II
Wiscassett, ME — December 17, 2017
Event Information
| Date | December 17, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA105 |
| Event ID | 20171217X75946 |
| Location | Wiscassett, ME |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 44.69360, -69.38134 |
| Airport | WISCASSET |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | GOLDEN CIRCLE AIR |
| Model | T BIRD II |
| 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 the takeoff roll.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped, experimental airplane, the airplane bounced to the left side of the runway during the takeoff roll.
He thought that the airplane would "straighten itself out", however, the airplane's tail lifted, and the airplane continued to the left. The left main landing gear impacted a snowbank, and the airplane exited the left side of the runway. The airplane came to rest in the safety area.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
The METAR at the accident airport reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was variable at 4kts and the sky was clear.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident 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.