On September 15, 2002, a Christen Industries A-1 (registration N9598C) was involved in an aviation accident near Chetek, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane, and his failure to maintain clearance from the utility pole. A factor was the utility pole. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane was damaged when it struck a powerline pole during takeoff from a private turf airstrip. The pilot reported normal acceleration but a right drift at liftoff that did not respond to control inputs.
Occurrence
During takeoff from a private turf airstrip, the airplane was damaged when its right wing struck a powerline pole. The pilot reported that the airplane accelerated normally. He stated, "At approximate time of liftoff of main wheels the aircraft for unknown reason began to drift off runway centerline to the right. Pilot attempted to correct drift with control inputs to which aircraft did not respond." The right wing subsequently impacted the powerline pole.
Examination
A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no preexisting anomalies. The aircraft had no known mechanical issues prior to the event.
Statements
The pilot provided a statement recounting the normal acceleration and the unexpected drift to the right that was unresponsive to control inputs. No other information regarding environmental conditions or pilot experience was provided in the report.
Damage
The airplane sustained damage from the impact with the powerline pole. The extent of damage was not further specified in the available information.