Amateur-built LANCAIR ES N398S accident near Youngstown, Ohio

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with an approach lighting system.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that after performing an engine run-up with no anomalies noted, he taxied the airplane onto the runway and turned left to align with the runway centerline. He increased engine power and began the takeoff roll, but the airplane suddenly pulled left. He attempted to correct with full right rudder and brake pedal input; however, the airplane departed the left side of the runway, traveled on grass, and struck a visual approach slope indicator (VASI) light, before coming to rest upright. Following the accident, the pilot stated that the left main landing gear tire had failed and was deflated, but did not otherwise report that there were any other preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Postaccident Examination of the wreckage revealed that the airplane’s left wing sustained substantial damage during the accident. The left main landing gear’s brake operated normally, the associated wheel fairing was damaged, and the tire was flat. Skid marks in the grass were present along the airplane’s path of travel through the grass beyond the concrete pad, but not before, consistent with the tire going flat after collision with the pad and not before. Additionally, prior to the concrete pad of the VASI light, all three landing gear tire impressions were present in the grass, with the nose landing gear impression closer to the right landing gear impression, consistent with a right yaw or crab during the runway excursion.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA237 for the full record.