Elkins CHRISTEN EAGLE II N78E

Summary

On 25 October 2009 at about 17:30 local time, a Elkins CHRISTEN EAGLE II registered N78E, operated by Edward Larkin, was involved in an accident near Athens, Kentucky, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

25 October 2009 at 17:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Athens, Kentucky, United States

Nearest airport

Silo Field (N/A)

Coordinates

37.9422, -84.3589

Aircraft

Elkins CHRISTEN EAGLE II

Registration

N78E

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Edward Larkin

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Athens → Falmouth

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA10CA033

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's improper liftoff, resulting in a collision with the ground during climbout.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that during takeoff from the turf runway, he became airborne at "lower than normal" airspeed. The pilot lowered the airplane's nose to gain airspeed, and the airplane's main landing gear contacted the ground. He reported hearing a "metallic sound" and "suspected damage to the right wheel pant." The pilot proceeded with the takeoff, and chose to circle the airport and land to inspect the damage. According to the pilot, the approach to landing was normal and the touchdown was "firm but within normal range." Upon touchdown, both left and right main gear collapsed, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the airplane after the accident reported identifying no mechanical malfunctions.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.