LAX08CA210

The pilot's failure to maintain proper runway alignment and clearance from a large rock on the side of the runway. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the pilot to maintain the runway environment of his private strip clear of obstructions.

During the departure roll, as the airplane became airborne, the left main landing gear collided with a large rock on the left side of the pilot's private airstrip. From the cockpit the pilot visually confirmed that the damage seemed to be confined to the left wheel fairing, which was torn off, but could not discern any other damage. The airplane operated normally and the pilot landed without further incident. After landing, the pilot noted that the left tire was flat and the left main landing gear strut was damaged, including the gear box. The pilot stated that accident could have been prevented if he had ensured there were no rocks on the airstrip, and if he had maintained runway centerline. The pilot added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.

In a written statement, the pilot reported he intended to depart from his private airstrip about 250 miles from the destination airport. During the departure roll, as the airplane became airborne, the main landing gear collided with a large rock on the left side of the strip. The pilot visually confirmed the damage of the left wheel fairing (torn off), but could not discern any other damage. The airplane operated normally and the pilot landed without further incident. After landing, the pilot noted that the left tire was flat and the left main landing gear was damaged, including the gear box. In the section titled "RECOMMENDATION" in the NTSB Pilot/Operator Report, form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated that accident could have been prevented if he had ensured there were no rocks on the airstrip, and if he had maintained runway centerline. The pilot added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.