Probable cause
The loss of directional control during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined due to the extent of fire damage.
NTSB analysis
During the second takeoff on a maintenance test flight following an annual inspection, the airplane accelerated on the main landing gear with the tail wheel off the ground. The airplane then "aggressively veered left," and the pilot applied full right rudder to correct the path. However, the airplane continued to veer left, exited the runway, impacted runway signs and terrain, and a postcrash fire ensued. The fire precluded examination of the airplane systems.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14LA221 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 21, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Peyton, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Meadow Lake (FLY)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
American AA 1
- N-number
- N481HY
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1968
- Damage
- Destroyed
- 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.