ATL97LA111

Factual narrative

On July 21, 1997, about 1600 eastern daylight time, a Homebuilt Avid Mark IV, N913R, collided with a fence shortly after takeoff at the General Spain Airport, Memphis, Tennessee. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions existed, and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The pilot stated to the FAA, that he had made some adjustments to the elevator pushrod to adjust the position of the control stick. During takeoff, at about 55 miles per hour the airplane lifted off due to the new stick position and he lost control. The airplane veered right and impacted a fence off the side of the runway. The pilot of the homebuilt stated that he had just completed an adjustment to the elevator pushrod to reposition the control stick. During takeoff, at about 55 miles per hour the airplane lifted off due to the new stick position and he lost control. The airplane veered right and impacted a fence off the side of the runway. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12