Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll the airplane veered to the right. The pilot over compensated with rudder application and the airplane impacted a runway light. He reduced engine power in an attempt to regain control and subsequently reapplied engine power in an effort to clear a fence at the end of the runway and land the airplane in a grass area beyond the fence. During the landing, the airplane impacted a pile of dirt, resulting in substantial damage to the bottom left wing. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA035 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 17, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fayetteville, West Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Fayette Airport (WV59)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Boeing PT17
- N-number
- N55464
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.