Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, the airplane encountered a bump in the grass runway during the takeoff roll and lifted off the runway several knots slower than rotation speed. After liftoff, the airplane descended to the left side of the runway, impacted trees, and came to rest in a swampy area, resulting in substantial damage to the wings. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Postaccident examination of the runway found it to be in satisfactory condition, with no evidence of bumps.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA313 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 30, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ghent, New York
- Nearest airport
- Kline Kill Airport (NY1)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Arion Aircraft Llc LIGHTNING LS-1
- N-number
- N782MD
- 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.