NUSE GEORGE F1H ROCKET
Caroleen, NC — December 2, 2011
Event Information
| Date | December 2, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA12CA094 |
| Event ID | 20111202X83549 |
| Location | Caroleen, NC |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.28917, -81.78500 |
| Airport | Summey |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | NUSE GEORGE |
| Model | F1H ROCKET |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | NITE |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot did not maintain directional control during takeoff at night due to his distraction with a dropped flashlight, and he delayed his decision to abort the takeoff.
Full Narrative
The tail-wheel equipped experimental amateur-built airplane was departing from a turf runway at night. The pilot reported that he observed two deer crossing the runway and swerved to avoid them. At that time, a flashlight fell from the top of the instrument panel to the floor of the cockpit. The pilot looked down to retrieve the flashlight and did not realize that the airplane had veered off the runway. He subsequently noticed that the airplane did not feel right, looked up, and observed an approaching tree line. The pilot reduced the engine power to idle and applied brakes; however, the airplane struck trees, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot stated that he did not experience any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.
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.