22 May 2010: PZL MIELEC M18 A — Southern Air Services LLC

22 May 2010: PZL MIELEC M18 A — Southern Air Services LLC

No fatalities • Lake Placid, FL, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot was departing from the 60-foot-wide runway, which was lined with trees on both sides. During the takeoff roll, the pilot stated that he drifted "too far over to the left" and the airplane's left wing impacted a tree. The airplane subsequently "pulled" to the left, impacted a second tree, nosed over, and came to rest inverted in a canal which ran alongside the runway. The left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Directional control — Not attained/maintained

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 060/03kt, vis 10sm

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