L-BIRD LLC CCX-2000
Hood River, OR — April 27, 2018
Event Information
| Date | April 27, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA236 |
| Event ID | 20180427X91412 |
| Location | Hood River, OR |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 45.67278, -121.53389 |
| Airport | KEN JERNSTEDT AIRFIELD |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | L-BIRD LLC |
| Model | CCX-2000 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s decision to take off in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that during takeoff, the experimental amateur-built airplane encountered a right crosswind. The pilot applied right aileron and right rudder, but the airplane rolled to the left. The left wing struck the ground and the airplane departed the left side of the runway. The left wing struck a runway light and the airplane cartwheeled before coming to rest upright.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the engine mounts.
The METAR at the airport reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 290° at 9 knots and gusting to 22 knots. The wind direction was reported as variable between 230° and 320°. The pilot attempted to takeoff on runway 25.
Per the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, in the Recommendation section the pilot reported that this accident could have been prevented by making the choice to cancel the flight due to high wind conditions.
The pilot reported that there were no 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.