THOMAS LEE Nieuport 11
Rose Hill, KS — September 23, 2019
Event Information
| Date | September 23, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA560 |
| Event ID | 20190924X13902 |
| Location | Rose Hill, KS |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 37.56472, -97.17472 |
| Airport | COOK AIRFIELD |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | THOMAS LEE |
| Model | Nieuport 11 |
| 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 |
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and an impact with runway lights.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped biplane reported that, during takeoff, he added power and the airplane veered left, which he was unable to "check." The airplane veered off the runway to the left and impacted the precision approach path indicator (PAPI) lights, spun 180°, and came to rest in the grass adjacent to the runway.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower right 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 5 miles to the northwest, reported that, about 5 minutes after the accident, the wind was calm. The pilot was departing runway 17.
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.