Stinson 108-1 N97484 accident near Alliance, Nebraska

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control on takeoff. Contributing to the accident was a lack of total experience.

NTSB analysis

The 67-hour private pilot lost control of the single engine tailwheel airplane on the initial take-off roll on runway 08 during a planned training flight in the traffic pattern. The pilot stated that as the airplane accelerated, the tailwheel raised off the ground, and the airplane began to weather vane to the left. He then reduced engine power in an attempt to abort the takeoff, but the airplane continued to move to the left side of the runway. The pilot applied full right rudder and used differential braking in an attempt to stay on the runway. The airplane departed the left side of the runway and encountered a ditch in the grass. The propeller contacted the ground, abruptly stopped the engine, and the airplane nosed over coming to rest in the inverted position. The pilot was not injured and was able to egress unassisted. Winds at the time were reported to be 030 degrees at 18 knots with gusts to 24 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08CA189 for the full record.