# NTSB FTW96LA333: Emroth-Emair MA-1B, N9918M, Clayton, LA, August 4, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 4, 1996, 14:10 local (19:10 UTC)
- Place: Clayton, LA
- Coordinates: 31.720508, -91.529525 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.7205&lon=-91.5295&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 18, 1997
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19934
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA333
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19934/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA333

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.  A factor was the wet grass runway.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - grass
  - terrain condition - wet (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command
- Nose over, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

During the takeoff roll on a wet, grass runway, the airplane began to skid and drift left.  The pilot stated he was unable to correct for the drift.  The airplane contacted a ditch with about 4 to 6 inches of water in it and nosed over.

## Factual narrative

On August 4, 1996, at 1410 central daylight time, an Emroth-Emair MA-1B, N9918M, registered to and operated by Robbie's Flying Service, was substantially damaged during takeoff near Clayton, Louisiana.  The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured.  The flight was operating under Title 14 CFR Part 137, and a flight plan was not filed.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the aerial application flight.  The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll on a wet, grass runway, the airplane began to skid and drift left.  The pilot stated he was unable to correct for the drift.  The airplane contacted a ditch with about 4 to 6 inches of water in it and nosed over.  The wings were structurally damaged, and the engine separated from the fuselage.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9918M](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9918M-2017-03-24), registration cancelled 2017-03-24, S/N 033, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Emroth-Emair MA-1B
- Registry model: [Emroth-Emair MA-1B](https://openairdocs.org/model/emroth-emair-ma-1b) (registry code 3280103) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Wright R-1820 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/wright-r-1820-series) (registry code 67020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 033
- Airframe hours: 1990
- Engines: Curtis Wright R1820-72 1200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Robbie'S Flying Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Airport: NONE, Private Airstrip, runway 27, 3,000 × 80 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 10,000 total, 2,090 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 10° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

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.

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