As He Lifted The Tailwheel Off The Ground, The Airplane Immediately Turned Left And Departed The Runway

Location: Palmyra, Pennsylvania Accident Number: ERA24LA316
Date & Time: July 19, 2024, 14:30 Local Registration: N788KF
Aircraft: Sheaffer Leroy B Kitfox Model IV Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The pilot stated that, during takeoff from a 40-ft-wide runway and just as he lifted the tailwheel off the ground, the airplane immediately turned left and departed the runway. The airplane bounced hard and fractured the right main landing gear, coming to rest upright in a corn field. There was a right crosswind at the time of departure and the right wing lifted as soon as the tailwheel left the ground.

During a postaccident examination of the airplane, flight control continuity was established to all flight controls and no preimpact mechanical malfunctions were identified. The right main landing gear was fractured off and the brake line was severed. Both wheels spun freely and the brakes were not seized up.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the tailwheel airplane during takeoff from a narrow runway with a crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov