Casualties unknown

1994-10-29: American General Aircraft AA1 (N6114L) — Beach City, OH

Beach City, OH, US

On October 29, 1994, an American General Aircraft AA1 (registration N6114L) was involved in an aviation accident near Beach City, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's belief that the aircraft was caught in a wind swirl or vortex during takeoff at maximum weight. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced a sudden loss of control and subsequent terrain impact during an attempted takeoff while the aircraft was at maximum weight.

What happened

During an attempted takeoff, the pilot rotated the aircraft at 70 knots and leveled off at approximately three to four feet above the runway in an effort to increase airspeed. During this phase, the aircraft settled back onto the runway before becoming airborne a second time.

Once the aircraft reached an altitude of 15 to 20 feet above the ground, the right wing dropped. The pilot attempted to correct the roll by applying rudder input; however, after three or four seconds, the right wing dropped further to an angle of 60 to 70 degrees and the nose dropped. The aircraft subsequently impacted the terrain, striking with the right wing first.

At the time of the accident, the aircraft was at maximum weight. The pilot reported that winds were originating from the south at 10 to 15 miles per hour. The pilot noted there were no mechanical malfunctions prior to the impact and expressed his belief that the aircraft had been caught by a wind swirl or vortex.

Probable cause

The pilot's belief that the aircraft was caught in a wind swirl or vortex during takeoff at maximum weight.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02388. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.