Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an obstacle during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he had been working at an off-airport site installing concrete columns and then departed from the site in the tailwheel-equipped airplane. During takeoff from the field, he turned to avoid trees at the end of the field and impacted a concrete column.
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the right wing and fuselage were substantially damaged.
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. He stated he had experience taking off on grass, but he had not left enough room to gain sufficient altitude for obstacle clearance.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA19CA002 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 4, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Myakka City, Florida
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Champion 7FC
- N-number
- N9855B
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1959
- 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.