Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and the airplane nosing over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the takeoff roll, the pilot experienced a loss of control and could not steer the airplane. The airplane veered to the left, continued off the runway surface into a pile of rocks, and nosed over. Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 23, 2012, about 1200 mountain daylight time, a Cox PA 18 amateur built airplane, N13VC, veered off the runway and collided with a pile of rocks during takeoff from the Soldier Bar Airport, Soldier Bar, Idaho. The pilot, who additionally owned the airplane, was operating it under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The cross-country personal flight was originating at the time of the accident with an intended destination of Big Creek, Idaho. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot stated that he was departing after his two friends, who were all on a cross-country flight together. During the takeoff roll, he experienced a loss of control and could not steer the airplane. The airplane veered to the left and continued off the runway surface subsequently colliding with a pile of rocks. The airplane came to rest inverted. The pilot further stated that he believed that he lost controllability due to the left brake dragging or a tailwheel malfunction. He noted that he had experienced prior problems with the tailwheel and had hired a mechanic to fix it about 2 months prior to the accident. The wreckage was taken to a recovery facility for further examination. Several Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness inspectors examined the wheel and brake system following the recovery. They noted there was no evidence of mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. The FAA Airport/Facilities Directory (AFD) indicated that Soldier Bar Airport runway 07 was 1,650 feet long and 15 feet wide and that it was to be used for takeoffs. The runway surface was noted to be composed of dirt that was in fair condition.