Both Wings And The Fuselage Were Substantially Damaged

Location: Ghent, NY Accident Number: ERA20CA214
Date & Time: 06/13/2020, 0930 EDT Registration: N323TX
Aircraft: Waco YMF F5C Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped bi-plane was performing practice takeoffs and landings on a 75-foot-wide turf runway following an uneventful local flight. During the fourth takeoff, the airplane accelerated down the runway and after the pilot raised the tailwheel off the ground, the airplane suddenly drifted toward the left side of the runway. The left wing tip contacted trees and brush near the runway's left edge, and pivoted the airplane left into the trees.

Postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector revealed that both wings and the fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot also reported that "modest but variable and gusty winds" prevailed at the time of the accident.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov