Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, resulting in a loss of control and collision with the terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was departing runway 07. He stated that when the airplane lifted off, 'the airplane turned right. I could not...correct it.' the wing right impacted the terrain, and the airplane struck gliders parked on the ramp. The wind was reported as light and variable. The FAA examined the airplane and found no control malfunctions.
Source record
Factual narrative
On Monday, July 11, 1994, at 1400 eastern daylight time, a Champion 7GCAA, N2899G, registered to Darren A. McKeever and piloted by Allen V. Molner, sustained substantial damage during an attempted takeoff at the Blairstown Airport, Blairstown, New Jersey. The pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The airplane was departing on runway 07. The pilot stated: ...when I reached liftoff speed-lifted off and the aircraft turned to the right. I could not seem to correct it. The plane ended up on the grass-hit one parked glider and ended up on top of another. Mr. Morgan Brown, a Federal Aviation Administration Airwothiness Inspector, examined the airplane. In a report he stated: Inspected N2899G and found that all flight controls were intact and functioned normally. The wind was reported as light and variable. -