Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident was the gusty crosswind.
NTSB analysis
The pilot said he started his takeoff roll on runway 33. When he reached 50 mph, he pushed the control forward stick to raise the tail. The airplane immediately swerved to the left and he corrected with right rudder. The airplane struck a snow bank along the right side of the runway and was substantially damaged. Recorded winds were from 270 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The pilot had recently modified the airplane by repositioning the main landing gear.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DEN08LA061 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 23, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Buena Vista, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Central Colorado Regional (AEJ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Midget Mustang M-1
- N-number
- N53041
- 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.