# NTSB DFW08LA231: Evektor-Aerotechnik Sportstar, N901LA, Roanoke, TX, September 12, 2008 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: September 12, 2008, 12:40 local (17:40 UTC) - Place: Roanoke, TX - Coordinates: 33.04972, -97.232223 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.0497&lon=-97.2322&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 11, 2009 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 68946 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DFW08LA231 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/68946/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08LA231 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of flight experience in the make and model of airplane. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Experience/qualifications: total experience w/ equipment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031025): Personnel issues › Experience/knowledge · Pilot (probable cause) - [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause) ## Analysis After landing for his fifth touch-and-go maneuver, the pilot applied full engine power for takeoff. As he applied engine power the airplane began to swerve towards the left side of the runway. To arrest the swerve the pilot applied right rudder pedal, which resulted in a swerve back to the right. Unable to stop this swerve the airplane exited the right side of the runway. Moments later the airplane's right main landing gear and nose landing gear collapsed. The airplane came to rest in grass alongside the runway in an upright position. The pilot reported that he had previously accumulated 2 flight hours in the accident airplane's make and model. An examination of the airplane after the accident revealed no anomalies that would have prevented normal operation of the airplane's flight controls. ## Factual narrative On September 12, 2008, about 1240 central daylight time, a single-engine Evektor-Aerotechnik SportStar, special light sport airplane, N901LA, was substantially damaged following a loss of control shortly after landing at the Northwest Regional Airport (52F), near Roanoke, Texas. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was registered to Sanino and Associates LLC, of Denton, Texas, and operated by North Texas Flight Academy of Roanoke, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight had originating from 52F about 1215.According to the pilot, after landing for his fifth touch-and-go maneuver he applied full engine power for takeoff. As the engine power was applied the airplane began to swerve towards the left side of the runway. To arrest the swerve the pilot applied right rudder pedal which resulted in a swerve back to the right. Unable to stop this swerve the airplane exited the right side of the runway. Moment later the airplane's right main landing gear and nose landing gear collapsed. The airplane came to rest in grass alongside the runway in an upright position. The pilot and passenger were able to exit unassisted. The pilot later reported that he had previously accumulated 2 flight hours in the accident airplane's make and model. The NTSB investigator-in-charge examined the airplane upon recovery. The examination revealed that the airplane's left wing and fuselage had sustained structural damage during the accident. In addition, no anomalies were found that would have prevented normal operation of the airplane's flight controls. The weather observation station at Fort Worth Alliance Airport (AFW), located 7 miles southwest of the accident site reported winds to be variable at 3 knots around the time of the accident. ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event) - [Takeoff: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300) - [Takeoff: Landing gear collapse](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/094) ## Aircraft - Registration: [N901LA](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N901LA), registered now, S/N 20070901, built 2007 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: EVEKTOR-AEROTECHNIK AS SPORTSTAR - Registry model: [Evektor-Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR](https://openairdocs.org/model/evektor-aerotechnik-sportstar) (registry code 0600012) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Rotax 912ULS series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/rotax-912uls-series) (registry code 55572, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 20070901 - Engines: ROTAX 912ULS 100 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: North Texas Flight Academy - Registered owner: Sanino And Associates LLC - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Special light-sport (Special) - Departed: 52F, Roanoke, TX - Destination: 52F, Roanoke, TX - Airport: 52F, Northwest Regional Airport, runway 17, 3,500 × 40 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 59; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review June 11, 2007; seat: left; flight hours: 189 total, 2 in this make and model, 141 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: variable at 3 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 68 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: AFW, 7 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20080912850259A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20080912850259A), Sep 12, 2008: Amtr SPORTSTAR, Roanoke, TX, Substantial damage. Pilot in command was in local traffic pattern touch-and-go maneuvers. Applying power for takeoff aircraft began to move left of centerline. Airman applied… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.