Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, shortly after applying takeoff power, he allowed the tail of the airplane to lift off the ground "too early," and the airplane veered to the left into the grass. The airplane subsequently impacted the precision approach path indicator lights. The pilot flew the airplane around the airport traffic pattern and landed uneventfully. A postaccident examination revealed that the aft bulkhead was substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA529 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 23, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Winter Haven, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Winter Haven'S Gilbert Airport (GIF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Stinson 108-2
- N-number
- N340C
- 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.