Event DFW05CA148

Factual narrative

On May 30, 2005, at 1800 Central Standard Time, an experimental Aermacchi Bosbok AM 3-C, single engine airplane, N8ME, sustained substantial damage during takeoff at the Marfa Municipal Airport (MRF), near Marfa, Texas. The private pilot/owner and the passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. In a written statement, the pilot stated that he lost directional control on takeoff from Runway 30 (a 6,214-foot-long and 75 -foot- wide asphalt runway) and struck a visual approach slope indicator (VASI) light with the left stabilizer/elevator. He stated "I believe the cause of the accident was pilot error. High density altitude and lifting the tail too soon without attaining enough airspeed." The pilot reported a total of 5,855 flight hours, of which 15 hours were in the same make and model in the 90 days preceding the accident. Weather at Marfa Municipal Airport, at 1755, was reported as wind from 260 degrees at 6 knots, visibility 8 miles, clear skies, temperature 84 degrees Fahrenheit, and dewpoint 42 degrees Fahrenheit. The 5,855-hour private pilot lost directional control on takeoff and struck a visual approach slope indicator (VASI) light with the left stabilizer/elevator. The pilot reported: "I believe the cause of the accident was pilot error. High density altitude and lifting the tail too soon without attaining enough airspeed." Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12