Accident Summary
On an unspecified date, a 1967-model tailwheel-equipped airplane was involved in an accident during departure from a private airstrip under construction. The pilot, who held a private pilot certificate and was not instrument rated, and his passenger had landed at the site earlier. After spending 40 minutes to an hour at the construction area, they reboarded the airplane for the return flight. During the departure roll on the 1,800-foot long hard packed dirt strip in an easterly direction, the pilot reported that the airplane became uncontrollable due to unknown causes.
Sequence of Events
The airplane's right wingtip collided with a parked minivan. Following the impact, the airplane cartwheeled several times before coming to rest inverted near a steep embankment. The pilot, occupying the front seat, was extracted from the wreckage by fire-rescue personnel using the "jaws of life." The passenger, seated in the aft, was able to egress the airplane unassisted and sustained minor injuries. Additionally, a person on the ground who was standing near the parked vehicle was also injured. The pilot stated that he had no recollection of the flight or the accident.
Examination and Weather
An examination of the accident site and airplane was conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector. The inspection confirmed the collision with the minivan and the subsequent cartwheel and inverted rest position. At 1253, the automated surface observing system at the nearest airport, located about 10 miles southeast of the accident site, reported clear skies and wind from 050 degrees at 7 knots.
Previous Flight
The initial flight from a nearby private airstrip had departed at approximately 1130. The landing on the construction site's dirt strip was uneventful. The purpose of the visit was to the motor park racetrack that was under construction.