No fatalities

Airplane Veers Left During Takeoff on Rutted Dirt Airstrip, Strikes Brush

Rio Verde, AZ, United States

On October 12, 2013, an AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A-1C-180 UNDESIGNAT operated by David P. Dunteman was involved in an aviation accident near Rio Verde, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll on a rough and rutted surface. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff roll on a rutted dirt airstrip, an airplane veered left, the left wing contacted brush, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage to both wings and fuselage.

Accident Overview

A pilot reported that during the takeoff roll on a dirt airstrip with a rutted and rough surface, the airplane veered to the left of the centerline. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation by steering to the right, but the left wing subsequently contacted brush growing on the side of the narrow airstrip. The airplane was then pulled around, and the left wing struck the surface.

Damage Assessment

Both wings and the fuselage sustained substantial damage as a result of the ground contact. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Pilot Report

The pilot, who was the sole occupant, provided the account of the event. No other details regarding the flight, aircraft type, or environmental conditions were disclosed in the preliminary report.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Rough terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Oct 2013 AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A-1C-180 UNDESIGNAT accident near Rio Verde, AZ?

During takeoff roll on a rutted dirt airstrip, an airplane veered left, the left wing contacted brush, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage to both wings and fuselage.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Oct 2013 AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A-1C-180 UNDESIGNAT accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Oct 2013 involved an AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A-1C-180 UNDESIGNAT, operated by David P. Dunteman, at Rio Verde, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll on a rough and rutted surface.