No fatalities

23 Jul 2016: ENGINEERING & RESEARCH 415 D — Collinsville, OK

Collinsville, OK, United States

On 23 Jul 2016, an ENGINEERING & RESEARCH 415 D was involved in an aviation accident near Collinsville, OK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in a high density altitude condition, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a tree. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff rotation, the airplane veered right, impacted a tree, and sustained substantial damage to the right wing and aft fuselage. No pre-impact mechanical failures were reported.

Incident Summary

The pilot reported that during the takeoff rotation, the nose of the airplane rose and the left wing lifted. However, when the pilot looked to the right wing, it appeared low. Shortly thereafter, the airplane turned approximately 45 degrees across the runway to the right and headed toward a tree.

Pilot's Account

The pilot stated that he reduced throttle and applied the brakes while turning left, but these actions did not prevent the airplane from impacting a tree. Following the impact, the airplane spun clockwise about 90 degrees. The right wing and aft fuselage sustained substantial damage.

The pilot reported that no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airframe or engine had occurred that would have precluded normal operation.

Recommendations

The pilot noted that due to the density altitude and the low power of the airplane, the departure conditions may not have been favorable.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcomeDecision related to condition