Amateur-built 1 N10ZR accident near Ellicott, Colorado

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to takeoff with a quartering tailwind and high density altitude which resulted in a runway overrun. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the right main axle mount due to the poor weld.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the airplane felt “sluggish” during the takeoff roll and the airplane bounced down the dirt runway. He said that he aborted the takeoff, the airplane would not turn right, and the airplane overran the end of the runway. Subsequently, the landing gear strut dug into the ground, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane’s fuselage, wings, and empennage were substantially damaged.

An FAA inspector that responded to the accident reported that there was evidence of nine impact points from the right main wheel along the runway for about 60% of the runway length. Post accident examination of the airplane revealed that the right main landing gear axle mount had separated from the landing gear leg due to insufficient penetration of its weld. The insufficient weld likely reduced the overall strength of the landing gear, which resulted in its separation during the takeoff roll.

About the time of the takeoff from runway 17L, density altitude was about 9,700 ft and the nearest reported winds 9 miles northwest of the accident site were from 270° at 11 knots gusting to 14 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA244 for the full record.