Helio H 295
Great Falls, MT — August 11, 2018
Event Information
| Date | August 11, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA481 |
| Event ID | 20180811X73739 |
| Location | Great Falls, MT |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 47.48528, -111.36000 |
| Airport | GREAT FALLS INTL |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Helio |
| Model | H 295 |
| 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 failure to maintain lateral control of the airplane during takeoff in a quartering tailwind.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during takeoff, the right wing "came up quickly (lifted) and unexpectedly." He attempted to recover, but the left main landing gear sideloaded and collapsed. The left wing impacted the runway and the airplane rotated to the left 180° and came to rest on the runway.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 7 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 320° at 14 knots. The airplane was departing on runway 21.
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.