Event ERA12CA529

Factual narrative

According to the pilot, shortly after applying takeoff power he allowed the tail of the airplane to lift off the ground "too early" and the airplane veered to the left into the grass. The airplane, subsequently, impacted the precision approach path indicator lights with the underside of the airplane. He flew the airplane around the airport traffic pattern and landed uneventfully. A postaccident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the aft bulkhead was substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. According to the pilot, shortly after applying takeoff power, he allowed the tail of the airplane to lift off the ground "too early," and the airplane veered to the left into the grass. The airplane subsequently impacted the precision approach path indicator lights. The pilot flew the airplane around the airport traffic pattern and landed uneventfully. A postaccident examination revealed that the aft bulkhead was substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

Hierarchical cause / factor breakdown from the FAA bulk avdata database. Each finding tagged C (Cause) or F (Factor).

• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Sign/marker-Contributed to outcome