Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll due to his distraction by an open door.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he became distracted during the takeoff roll when the airplane's door came open. When he reached to close the door the airplane veered left and subsequently departed the runway. The airplane impacted a berm off the left side of the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA478 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 20, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Smithville, Tennessee
- Nearest airport
- Smithville Municipal (0A3)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built AVID FLYER MKIV
- N-number
- N52CH
- 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.