Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll into sunlight, which restricted his visibility.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he was taking off in a southerly direction from a narrow, tree lined airstrip. During the takeoff roll, sunlight restricted his visibility. The airplane drifted left and subsequently came into contact with numerous juvenile fir trees along the side of the runway. The contact with the trees resulted in substantial leading edge damage to both wings, and the fuselage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane or engine.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR15CA097 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 29, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Newburg, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Stan Jost (PVT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built ALASKAN BUSHMASTER
- N-number
- N36NC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1998
- 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.