This July 2008 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Stits Playboy. Injuries: 1 Minor. Location: St. Louis, Mo. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The 2,500-hour private pilot was taking off from a turf runway measuring 3,120 feet. While the airplane was in ground effect, the left wing and the nose hit the ground. The pilot, who reported he had owned the airplane for 18 years, said there was nothing wrong with the engine or with the performance of the airplane. He said it had gotten away from him.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff.
For more information: NTSB.gov
