Event GAA18CA246

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that, during takeoff, the airplane experienced a "loss of lift". He added that he rejected the takeoff, and while landing back on the runway, the airplane bounced and veered left. The airplane exited the runway and came to rest in a shallow ditch. The pilot reported that the maximum gross weight of the airplane was 3,100 pounds and the weight at the time of the accident was 3,055 pounds. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 17 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 250° at 10 knots, gusting to 19 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, cloud condition clear, temperature 26°C (79°F), dew point -16°C (3°F), altimeter setting 29.71" Hg. The airplane was departing runway 15. The estimated density altitude was 6,816 ft. The pilot reported that, during takeoff, the airplane experienced a "loss of lift." He added that he rejected the takeoff, and while landing back on the runway, the airplane bounced and veered left. The airplane exited the runway and came to rest in a shallow ditch. The pilot reported that the maximum gross weight of the airplane was 3,100 pounds and that the weight at the time of the accident was 3,055 pounds. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 17 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 250° at 10 knots, gusting to 19 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, cloud condition clear, temperature 26°C (79°F), dew point -16°C (3°F), altimeter setting 29.71 inches of mercury. The airplane was departing runway 15. The estimated density altitude was 6,816 ft. 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 Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Tailwind-Effect on operation
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Gusts-Effect on operation
• — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Aircraft capability-Climb capability-Not attained/maintained
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Temp/humidity/pressure-High density altitude-Effect on operation