Event WPR12CA083

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that after aligning the airplane with the runway centerline and adding full power, the airplane accelerated and then began to veer to the left. The pilot further said that he immediately added right rudder to correct for the deviation but the airplane did not respond to the control input. The pilot stated that he then elected to abort the takeoff, but seeing runway signs in his path he added full power again in an attempt to get airborne to avoid colliding with the signs. After becoming airborne the airplane impacted an airport sign with its right main landing gear and right stabilator, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. Neither the pilot nor a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, who examined the airplane after the accident, reported any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies. The pilot added that he was using runway 25 at the time of the accident, that the wind was 250 degrees at 8 knots, and that there were no gust reported. The pilot reported that, after aligning the airplane with the runway centerline and adding full power for takeoff, the airplane accelerated and then began to veer left. The pilot immediately added right rudder to correct for the deviation, but the airplane did not respond to the control input. He then reduced power to abort the takeoff, but, seeing runway signs in his path, he added full power again in an attempt to get airborne to avoid colliding with the signs. After becoming airborne, the airplane impacted a sign with its right main landing gear and right stabilator, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. Neither the pilot nor a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, who examined the airplane after the accident, reported any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies. 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
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Sign/marker-Contributed to outcome
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C