PIPER PA18
Dorris, CA — March 30, 2018
Event Information
| Date | March 30, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA191 |
| Event ID | 20180330X51628 |
| Location | Dorris, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 41.89028, -121.97556 |
| Airport | BUTTE VALLEY |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA18 |
| 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.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while circling over the destination airport, she observed the windsock in a "light [and] variable" state. She added that, after a touch-and-go landing, she added full power for takeoff and the airplane veered to the right, then back to the runway centerline, at which point the airplane became briefly airborne. The airplane landed back on the runway, veered off the runway to the left, impacted sage brush, and came to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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.