Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff in gusting wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
To avoid taking off from a wet field, the pilot said he elected to takeoff to the southwest on Kansas Highway 156 at its intersection with U.S. Highway 56. Just as the wheels lifted off, a "strong wind gust raised the left wing." This turned (groundlooped) the airplane to the right (west) and it struck a dirt embankment and a chain link fence. Both wings and the forward portion of the fuseage were buckled.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA251 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 15, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Great Bend, Kansas
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aviat A-1B
- N-number
- N84DT
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.