RAVEN N75784 accident near Benson, Arizona

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate evaluation of the runway condition and failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that, as he taxied the trike onto the runway and toward the centerline, it encountered a lateral crack across the runway pavement, which caused a noticeable and sharp movement through the foot controls; he felt no other anomalies. He lined the trike on the runway centerline and began the takeoff roll. The trike struck another crack and veered to the right. He attempted to correct back to the runway centerline without success. The trike rolled up on its left side, causing damage to the left wing's keel tube, the control A-frame, left leading edge spar, and sail cloth. The pilot reported to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that he wanted to go out on one last flight before the runway was closed for repairs. According to the FAA airworthiness inspector who responded to the accident, the crack in the runway that the trike traversed was about 4 to 5 inches wide and at least 1 to 2 inches deep. The city commenced planned runway repairs several days after the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11CA033 for the full record.