# NTSB NYC08CA095: Sonex Waiex, N35YX, New Smyrna Bch., FL, February 8, 2008

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: February 8, 2008, 11:46 local (16:46 UTC)
- Place: New Smyrna Bch., FL
- Coordinates: 29.055555, -80.94889
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.0556&lon=-80.9489&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 March 31, 2008
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: FAA/FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 67490
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC08CA095
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/67490/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08CA095

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff. Contributing was the crosswind.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Wind: crosswind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Not specified (probable cause); cases with it: [Barth George E WAIEX, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md?model=056237Q), [All aircraft, 1,008 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md)
- [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Barth George E WAIEX, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=056237Q), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md)
- [Object/animal/substance: sign/marker](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022015): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Not specified; cases with it: [Barth George E WAIEX, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022015/cases.md?model=056237Q), [All aircraft, 214 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022015/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: [Barth George E WAIEX, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=056237Q), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md)
- [Takeoff: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Barth George E WAIEX, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=056237Q), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md)

## Analysis

During takeoff with a crosswind from the left side of the airplane, the pilot of an amateur built, tailwheel equipped, Waiex held "left aileron into the wind." The left wing then "lifted up," the airplane veered to the left, and the pilot reduced engine power to idle. The airplane; however, continued to veer to the left. It then exited the left side of the runway into the grass, and struck a runway marker damaging the left wing and propeller.

## Factual narrative

During takeoff with a crosswind from the left side of the airplane, the pilot of an amateur built, tailwheel equipped, Waiex held "left aileron into the wind." The left wing then "lifted up," the airplane veered to the left, and the pilot reduced engine power to idle. The airplane; however, continued to veer to the left. It then exited the left side of the runway into the grass, and struck a runway marker damaging the left wing and propeller.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N35YX](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N35YX), registered now, S/N W0035, built 2007 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Sonex Waiex
- Registry model: [Barth George E WAIEX](https://openairdocs.org/model/barth-george-e-waiex) (registry code 056237Q) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Jabiru 3300](https://openairdocs.org/engine/jabiru-3300) (registry code 34802, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: W0035
- Airframe hours: 18
- Engines: Jabiru 3300A 120 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Condition, September 1, 2007
- Departed: EVB, New Smyrna Bch., FL
- Destination: EVB
- Airport: EVB, New Smyrna Beach Municipal, runway 25, 5,000 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review October 1, 2007; seat: left; flight hours: 268 total, 18 in this make and model, 202 as pilot in command, 18 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.11 inHg
- Observed at: EVB

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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