GAA19CA472

Factual narrative

The private pilot reported that he left the windows open while completing the start-up checklist and while taxiing to the runway. During the takeoff roll, he noticed the passenger window was unsecured. In his attempt to secure the window, he momentarily took his eyes off the runway. As he looked back, the airplane was traveling to the left side of the runway. With insufficient room to correct direction, the airplane collided with a runway distance marker sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that he left the windows open while completing the Start-up checklist and while taxiing to the runway. During the takeoff roll, he noticed that the passenger window was unsecured. While attempting to secure the window, he momentarily took his eyes off the runway. As he looked back at the runway, the airplane was traveling to the left side of the runway. With insufficient runway to correct direction, the airplane impacted a runway distance marker sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. 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 Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot
• C Personnel issues-Psychological-Attention/monitoring-Attention-Pilot
• C Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Sign/marker-Effect on operation
• F Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Lack of action-Pilot