Weatherly 201B
Nickerson, KS — May 15, 2008
Event Information
| Date | May 15, 2008 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | DFW08CA145 |
| Event ID | 20080627X00941 |
| Location | Nickerson, KS |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 38.14000, -98.04833 |
| Airport | Private Airstrip |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Weatherly |
| Model | 201B |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 137 |
| Aircraft Damage | DEST |
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
During the takeoff roll the single-engine tail-wheel equipped agricultural airplane exited the left side of the 20-foot wide gravel runway despite the pilot's correction of full right rudder and right brake. Once off the runway, the airplane crossed a creek and impacted an embankment, before coming to rest in an upright position. The pilot was able to exit the airplane unassisted. Moments later the airplane was engulfed in flames. The pilot reported that following the accident he observed that the tail-wheel was unlocked and that it may have contributed to the accident. He further stated that the accident may have been prevented by checking that the tail-wheel was locked prior to takeoff.
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.