Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

Learn from Colorado's accident history to fly safer in the Rockies

2310 Total Accidents 425 Fatal 816 Fatalities 1982-2026
← Back to all accidents

Alamosa, Colorado

October 9, 2009 · NTSB CEN10CA020 · Franklin Pitts Special S-1 (N59JT)
Minor/None
Note: This analysis may be based on NTSB preliminary reports, which represent an initial, incomplete investigation. Facts can change as the investigation progresses, and preliminary findings should not be assumed to be accurate or final. For older events, a final NTSB report may have been issued — always consult the NTSB Aviation Query for the authoritative record.

NTSB Narrative

The commercial pilot was taking off in his single-engine tail wheel-equipped airplane, when it veered to the left at a high rate of speed shortly after the tail wheel came up off the ground. The airplane went off the side of the runway and struck a runway light with the lower left wing causing substantial damage. Examination of the airplane by maintenance personnel found no pre mishap anomalies. The winds were calm at the time of the accident. The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control on takeoff.

Case Study & Lessons Learned

Generating educational case study...

NTSB Findings

  • Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
  • Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
  • Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Runway/taxi/approach light-Contributed to outcome

Details

NTSB ReportCEN10CA020
AircraftFranklin Pitts Special S-1
RegistrationN59JT
DamageSUBS
FAR Part091
Location37.4342, -105.8597
CPA Mountain Flying Ground School
Corporate Sponsor
Arapahoe Flight Club
Arapahoe Flight Club
All Classifieds Post an Ad