Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to secure his cargo prior to departure. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain available for the forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that during the initial climb after takeoff, an unrestrained cardboard folder being carried in the baggage tray departed the airplane impacting the wooden propeller. The pilot further stated that the airplane 'started shaking violently' and he was unable to maintain flight with the unbalanced propeller. During the ensuing forced landing to a road running perpendicular to the end of the runway, the airplane overran the road and crossed a ditch into a hedge row of trees and bushes.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 25, 1996, at 1115 central daylight time, a Steward Breezy home built airplane, N2343, was substantially damaged during takeoff near Owasso, Oklahoma. The private pilot and one of his passengers were not injured while one of his passengers sustained minor injuries. The airplane was owned and operated by a 6-way partnership under "In Your Face." Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. A flight plan was not filed for the local flight. In the enclosed NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated that he completed a 20 minute local flight and returned to the Gundy's Airport. The pilot added that his passenger, his two nieces, requested to make another flight. The pilot further stated that during the initial climb after takeoff, an unrestrained cardboard folder being carried in the baggage tray departed the airplane impacting the wooden propeller. The pilot further stated that the airplane "started shaking violently" and he was unable to maintain flight with the unbalanced propeller. During the ensuing forced landing to a road that runs perpendicular to the end of the runway, the airplane overran the road and crossed a ditch into a hedge row of trees and bushes. Both wings and the wing struts sustained structural damage. -