Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with the edge of the asphalt, which resulted in a runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction due to a goose.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The private pilot was executing a 180° turn at the approach end of the runway to begin takeoff when she saw a goose crossing the runway near her position. To avoid the goose she relaxed the turn, and the right main landing gear wheel rolled off the asphalt in an area with a 4-inch lip. The airplane then rolled down an embankment resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.