Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain the airplane’s directional control during the takeoff roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he taxied his tailwheel airplane onto the runway and locked the tailwheel. He slowly pushed the control stick forward, added power to bring the tail up, and the airplane started to drift to the left. By the time he was able to react, the left tire caught the edge of the runway, and the airplane drifted into a fence.
The pilot stated that he was riding the left brake when power was applied and did not remove his foot fully off the brake before the takeoff roll. Both wings, fuselage, and the empennage sustained substantial damage.
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA118 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 12, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Paonia, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- North Fork Valley (7V2)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Amateur-built SUPERSTOL
- N-number
- N45TW
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2021
- 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.