On September 26, 2006, a Boeing A75N1 (registration N985BC) was involved in an aviation accident near Garrettsville, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. The bush and tree were factors to the accident. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff from a private grass airstrip, a tailwheel airplane deviated left for unknown reasons, striking a bush and then a tree. Rudder inputs were unable to correct the swerve. Examination found no pre-impact anomalies.
Accident Details
The accident occurred during the initial takeoff roll of a tailwheel airplane operating from a private grass airstrip. As the airplane began its takeoff, it swerved to the left, impacting a bush and subsequently a tree before coming to rest.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that during the takeoff roll, the airplane "deviated to the left for unknown reasons." He reported that "rudder inputs were unable to bring the aircraft back onto the grass runway before the left wingtip clipped a bush." The airplane then "continued further left, and the left wings struck a tree." At the time of the accident, winds were reported to be calm.
Examination
A post-accident examination of the tailwheel assembly, brake system, and flight controls revealed no pre-impact anomalies.