Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot of the tailwheel-equipped, experimental airplane, the airplane bounced to the left side of the runway during the takeoff roll.
He thought that the airplane would "straighten itself out"; however, the airplane's tail lifted, and the airplane continued to the left. The left main landing gear impacted a snowbank, and the airplane exited the left side of the runway. The airplane came to rest in the safety area.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
The METAR at the accident airport reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was variable at 4kts and the sky was clear.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA105 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 17, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wiscassett, Maine
- Nearest airport
- Wiscasset (IWI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Golden Circle Air T BIRD II
- N-number
- N5619Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1996
- 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.