On February 11, 1983, a Beech H18 (registration N1461G) was involved in an aviation accident near Talladega, AL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff, a tailwheel aircraft's right wing lifted, then drifted left. Despite throttle adjustments, it crossed a ditch and taxiway, slid into mud, and collapsed its landing gear.
Accident Overview
A pilot reported that shortly after applying full power and before the tailwheel lifted off, the right wing of the aircraft rose approximately 3 to 4 feet into the air. The aircraft then began drifting to the left. During the subsequent maneuvers, the pilot alternately advanced and retarded the throttle as the aircraft crossed a ditch and a parallel taxiway. The aircraft subsequently slid into mud off the left side of the taxiway, and the landing gear collapsed.
Wind Conditions
The pilot stated that the wind was from the north-northwest at 5 to 6 knots. Approximately 25 miles north-northeast at Anniston, Alabama, the recorded wind was from 030 degrees at 8 knots.