Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
NTSB analysis
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector, the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane initiated a takeoff roll to perform an agricultural application flight. During the takeoff roll on the gravel airstrip, the airplane exited the right side of the runway and collided with a drainage culvert.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing spar.
The FAA inspector did not travel to the accident site.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA245 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 18, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Weipee, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Private Airstrip (PVT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Ayres Corporation S2R
- N-number
- N40170
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
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.