CHI06CA126

The amateur-built airplane was substantially damaged during takeoff when the pilot lost directional control. The pilot stated, "During the takeoff roll the aircraft drifted left. I corrected and increased throttle." He reported that during the takeoff roll, the airplane continued to drift left, and he continued to correct. The pilot continued, "Near liftoff speed (80 kts), [the airplane] drifted again. I couldn't control the plane with full rudder or right brake. (It has no steerable nosewheel.) When the left wheel hit the grass, I lost control." The airplane subsequently impacted an airport sign during the runway excursion and came to rest in the grass adjacent to the runway. No damage consistent with a pre impact failure was observed during the post accident examination.

On May 7, 2006, at 1348 central daylight time, an amateur-built Helmetag Glassair III, N26H, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged during takeoff roll on runway 18 (3,199 feet by 75 feet, asphalt) at Aurora Municipal Airport (ARR), Aurora, Illinois. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The personal flight was originating at the time of the accident and had an intended destination of Oswego County Airport (FZY), Fulton, New York, with a preceding intermediate fuel stop.

In his written statement, the pilot reported that the flight was assigned runway 18 for departure. He noted that he had taken off from this runway in the past without any problems. He stated, "During the takeoff roll the aircraft drifted left. I corrected and increased throttle." He reported that the airplane continued to drift left, and he continued to correct the drift during the takeoff roll. The pilot continued, "Near liftoff speed (80 kts), [the airplane] drifted again. I couldn't control the plane with full rudder or right brake. (It has no steerable nosewheel.) When the left wheel hit the grass, I lost control."

A Federal Aviation Administration inspector conducted a post accident examination. He reported that the runway skid marks and wheel tracks in the grass were consistent with the airplane departing the runway pavement to the left. These marks indicated the airplane returned to the runway, before departing it a second time and coming to rest in the grass. The airplane struck an airport sign during the second runway excursion. The landing gear had collapsed. He noted that rudder continuity was confirmed. The right brake assembly was damaged consistent with the accident sequence.

The pilot stated that normal liftoff speed for the accident airplane was approximately 80 knots. He recalled that the wind conditions were from 140 degrees at 9 knots, gusting to 16 knots.

The ARR Automated Surface Observing System, at 1353, recorded winds from 210 degrees at 10 knots.