Casualties unknown

Airplane Veers Off Runway After Loud Pop and Tail Shaking on Takeoff (N585CK)

Beaufort, NC, US

On August 28, 1997, a Gulfstream-schweizer G-164C (registration N585CK) was involved in an aviation accident near Beaufort, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to ensure the tailwheel was properly locked, while taking off on an asphalt runway, which led to loss of directional control and a ground swerve. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff roll, a pilot heard a loud pop, experienced tail shaking, and lost rudder authority. The airplane veered right, exited the runway, and entered a corn field.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll, a loud pop was heard from behind, and the tail began shaking. The pilot reported having little rudder authority and being unable to maintain directional control. The airplane subsequently veered to the right, departed the runway, and came to rest in a corn field.

Cockpit Placard and Examination

The cockpit reportedly contained a placard indicating that the tail wheel should be locked during takeoff on asphalt. Following the incident, an examination of the airplane revealed that the tailwheel lock was not broken, and the tailwheel lock hole was not deformed or damaged.

Conclusion

The incident involved a loss of directional control during the takeoff roll, accompanied by a loud pop and tail shaking. No further information was provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, or the number of occupants.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08559. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.