Amateur-built SAVANNAH VGW N341JD accident near Flippin, Arkansas

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, the airplane veered toward the left edge of the runway. The pilot attempted to abort the takeoff and reduced engine power to idle; however, the pilot continued to hold the aircraft in a nose-high attitude and the airplane became airborne. The airplane flew over the taxiway and impacted terrain adjacent to the taxiway. The impact collapsed the main and nose gear and caused the right wingtip to strike the ground.

Post accident examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the fuselage. The inspector noted tire marks on the runway that veer to the left and are in-line with the aircraft’s direction, with a darker mark on the left. The inspector examined the airplane’s brakes and found that both functioned normally. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA225 for the full record.