PZL MIELEC M18
Lake Placid, FL — May 22, 2010
Event Information
| Date | May 22, 2010 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| Location | Lake Placid, FL |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 27.29000, -81.36000 |
| Airport | Sunray Airstrip |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
| NTSB Number | ERA10CA279 |
| Event ID | 20100522X45543 |
Aircraft
| Make | PZL MIELEC |
| Model | M18 |
| Registration # | N80188 |
| Operator | Southern Air Services LLC |
| Owner | Sunniland Aircraft Sales Inc |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 137 |
| 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
The pilot was departing from the 60-foot-wide runway, which was lined with trees on both sides. During the takeoff roll, the pilot stated that he drifted "too far over to the left" and the airplane's left wing impacted a tree. The airplane subsequently "pulled" to the left, impacted a second tree, nosed over, and came to rest inverted in a canal which ran alongside the runway. The left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures.
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.