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Experimental Racing Airplane Strikes Berm During Takeoff (N18AW)

Ione, CA, US

On February 27, 2001, an Ascher YAKOLEV YAK 11 (registration N18AW) was involved in an aviation accident near Ione, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during the takeoff run. A factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of total experience in the type aircraft. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff on a 100-foot-wide runway, an experimental racing airplane drifted to the right edge, departed the runway, and struck a berm. The impact damaged the landing gear and deflected the aircraft leftward and airborne, crossing back over the runway before coming to rest.

Accident Sequence

The accident occurred during takeoff on a runway measuring 100 feet in width. The experimental racing airplane, modified for air racing and assembled from U.S. and Russian aircraft components, drifted to the right-hand edge of the runway. It then continued off the runway until it struck a berm located at the midfield taxiway. The impact with the berm damaged the landing gear and deflected the aircraft to the left and into the air. While airborne, the airplane traveled back across the runway. It came to rest in the dirt on the left side of the runway, approximately 3,000 feet from the start of the takeoff roll.

Aircraft and Pilot Information

The single-seat aircraft was acquired by the pilot about one month before the accident. This takeoff was the pilot's first in the aircraft. At the time of the accident, there was a left, quartering crosswind reported at 16 knots with gusts to 22 knots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Feb 2001 Ascher YAKOLEV YAK 11 accident near Ione, CA?

During takeoff on a 100-foot-wide runway, an experimental racing airplane drifted to the right edge, departed the runway, and struck a berm. The impact damaged the landing gear and deflected the aircraft leftward and airborne, crossing back over the runway before coming to rest.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Feb 2001 Ascher YAKOLEV YAK 11 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Feb 2001 involved an Ascher YAKOLEV YAK 11, registration N18AW, at Ione, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during the takeoff run. A factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of total experience in the type aircraft.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010301X00531. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.