GAA19CA008

Factual narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff the airplane veered and exited the runway to the left into trees. 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. According to an FAA inspector, the pilot did not have a current biannual flight review nor a current medical and that the airplane was not airworthy. The pilot added that during takeoff, the wind was gusting. The automated weather observation station located about 12 nautical miles from the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 140° at 7 knots. The airplane departed on runway 27. The pilot did not submit the NTSB Form 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report. The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff, the airplane veered left, exited the runway, and impacted trees.  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. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot did not have a current biannual flight review nor a current medical certificate, and the airplane was not airworthy.  The pilot stated that, during takeoff, the wind was gusting. The automated weather observation station located about 12 nautical miles from the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 140° at 7 knots. The airplane departed from runway 27.  Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, 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-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Tree(s)-Contributed to outcome