Primary finding
Probable cause
The total failure of the tailwheel assembly. The rough/uneven terrain was a factor in this accident.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was beginning a local VFR flight in an experimental airplane. During the takeoff roll, after reaching 60 knots, the airplane's tailwheel assembly broke. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control and the airplane exited the left side of the runway and collided with the terrain.
Source record
Factual narrative
On February 26, 1994, at 0802 hours Pacific standard time, an experimental Weber Q200 Quickie airplane, N89BW, exited the left side of runway 07 at North Las Vegas Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada. The pilot was beginning a local visual flight rules personal flight. The airplane, registered to and operated by Michael Goudeau, Las Vegas, Nevada, sustained substantial damage. The certificated commercial pilot/certified flight instructor, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot reported to National Transportation Safety Board investigators in a telephone interview that he was flying the airplane to become familiar with its flight characteristics. He said that he was going to give the owner flight training in the airplane. During the takeoff roll, the airplane's tail wheel assembly broke. The entire assembly is made of fiberglass and does not have any steel tube attachments. The pilot submitted the required Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, to the Safety Board, Southwest Regional Office. The pilot reiterated his telephone statement in the report and added that he lost directional control when the airplane reached 60 knots indicated airspeed. -