Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was his failure to secure a wing fuel panel prior to departure.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot had just refueled his single-engine experimental airplane in preparation for the next leg of his cross-country flight. During lift-off, the pilot reported that the right wing felt heavy and that the airplane was veering to the right. He applied left rudder, reduced power, lowered the nose, and landed hard. Subsequently, the left main gear and nosegear collapsed and the airplane went off of the left side of the runway. The pilot reported that he failed to properly secure the large fuel panel located on the top of the right wing. In addition, he reported there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane or the engine.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA337 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 4, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Clinton, Arkansas
- Nearest airport
- Clinton Municipal (CCA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built ZODIAC CH6
- N-number
- N9093Y
- 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.