# NTSB ERA11CA092: Haeussler Ray Sonex, N469SA, Buffalo, NY, November 29, 2010 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: November 29, 2010, 14:15 local (19:15 UTC) - Place: Buffalo, NY - Coordinates: 42.861946, -78.716392 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.8619&lon=-78.7164&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: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 8, 2011 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 78014 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA11CA092 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/78014/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=78014 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11CA092 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff due to his abrupt advancing of the throttle. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Haeussler Ray SONEX, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=05618QL), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Haeussler Ray SONEX, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=05618QL), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: powerplant parameters](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062050): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Haeussler Ray SONEX, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062050/cases.md?model=05618QL), [All aircraft, 81 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062050/cases.md) ## 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); cases with it: [Haeussler Ray SONEX, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=05618QL), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Haeussler Ray SONEX, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=05618QL), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Haeussler Ray SONEX, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=05618QL), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot stated that, when starting to takeoff in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he immediately applied full engine power and lost control of the airplane. The airplane departed the runway to the left and impacted a visual approach slope indicator control box, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing spar. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane. He additionally stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had applied the throttle gradually. ## Factual narrative The pilot stated that, when starting to takeoff in the tailwheel-equipped airplane he immediately applied full throttle and lost control of the airplane. The airplane departed the runway to the left and impacted a visual approach slope indicator control box, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing spar. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane, and said that the accident may have been prevented if he had applied the throttle gradually. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N469SA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N469SA-2013-08-27), registration cancelled 2013-08-27, S/N 0206, built 2002 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: HAEUSSLER RAY SONEX - Registry model: [Haeussler Ray SONEX](https://openairdocs.org/model/haeussler-ray-sonex) (registry code 05618QL) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 0206 - Airframe hours: 191 - Engines: AMA/EXPR UNKNOWN ENG reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Kenyon Riches - Registered owner: Larson Jeffrey L - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, June 1, 2010 - Departed: 9G0, Buffalo, NY - Destination: 9G0, Buffalo, NY - Airport: 9G0, Buffalo Airfield, runway 24, 2,600 × 59 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 73; injuries: none; private, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review August 22, 2009; seat: left; flight hours: 527 total, 7 in this make and model, 406 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 170° at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 22,000 ft broken - Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 25 °F - Altimeter: 30.28 inHg - Observed at: BUF, 5 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 20101129055889A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20101129055889A), Nov 29, 2010: Haeussler Ray SONEX, West Seneca, NY, Substantial damage. This airman was involved in a tail dragger incident last year while receiving his flight review. The airman told the inspector that he added full power on the… ## Docket (1 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on April 29, 2011, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=78014. 148 KB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 148 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40341387&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF 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.