Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper compensation for the winds. A factor was the tailwind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot taxied the airplane to a position in the grass 200 feet prior to the runway to provide a takeoff distance of 720 feet. The required takeoff distance under normal conditions was approximately 300 feet. During the take off roll the tail came off the ground prior to 200 feet. When the pilot started his rotatation 100 feet further down the runway, the tail descended back onto the runway surface. The wind was 5-15 knots and changed from a right 45 degree crosswind at the beginning of the takeoff roll to a 90 degree crosswind at rotation, and then continued clockwise to a down wind condition. The airplane went off the departure end of the runway into a terraced field, the pilot made a left turn to avoid a ditch, and the airplane ground looped.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 16, 1994, at 1500 central daylight time, a Jacobson SE5A, N38111, was substantially damaged during takeoff at Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, Rosenberg, Texas. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. The pilot/operator report stated the following information. The pilot taxied the airplane to a position in the grass 200 feet prior to the runway to provide for a total takeoff distance of 720 feet. "This airplane normally will takeoff in about 300 feet." During the takeoff roll to the northwest the tail came off the ground prior to reaching 200 feet. When the pilot started his rotation 100 feet further down the runway, the tail descended back onto the runway surface. The wind changed from a right 45 degree 5-15 knot crosswind at the beginning of the takeoff roll, to a 90 degree crosswind at rotation, and continued clockwise to a down wind condition. The airplane went off the departure end of the runway into a terraced field, the pilot made a left turn to avoid a ditch, and the airplane ground looped. -