ATL98LA064

During an attempted takeoff, the pilot reported experiencing a wind gust from the left and he lost directional control of the airplane. Witnesses observing the attempted takeoff reported that, the airplane rolled about 100 feet down the runway, then it suddenly veered left. The airplane went off the left side of the paved runway and collided with a stand of trees. The prevailing winds at the time of the accident were reported at 110 degrees at 10 knots. No mechanical problems, with the airplane, were reported by the pilot.

On April 18, 1998, at 1956 eastern daylight time, a Dennis L. Long, Pitts S-2A, N60DL, collided with trees during an attempted takeoff from runway 23 at the Spruce Creek Airport in Daytona Beach, Florida. The personal flight operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. According to weather data from the nearest weather reporting facility, visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. According to the Federal Aviation Administration Safety Inspector, the airplane sustained substantial airframe damage. The Swiss pilot, with a Federal Aviation Administration commercial rating, and his Swiss passenger, were not injured. The accident occurred during the initial takeoff attempt from Daytona Beach, Florida.

According to the pilot, during a takeoff from runway 23, a wind gust (crosswind from the left) suddenly hit the airplane, and he lost directional control. Witnesses observing the attempted takeoff reported that, the airplane rolled about 100 feet down the runway, then it suddenly veered left. The airplane went off the left side of the paved runway and collided with a stand of trees.

A review of the pilot's certification records disclosed that he had been issued a pilot certificate by the Federal Aviation Administration, on March 24, 1995. The review also disclosed that the pilot did not present a current medical certificate nor did he acquire a medical certificate subsequent to being issued a pilot certificate. In accordance with Title 14 CFR Part 61.75, the pilot must posses a current medical certificate from Switzerland before a Federal Aviation Administration pilot certificate could be issued.

The pilot reported that he had accumulated about 50 hours total flight time in the Pitts S-2A airplane. The prevailing winds at the time of the accident were reported at 110 degrees at 10 knots. No mechanical problems, with the airplane, were reported by the pilot.