L-Bird CCX-2000, N844FC: Accident occurred April 27, 2018 at Ken Jernstedt Airfield (4S2), Hood River County, Oregon

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Portland, Oregon

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

http://registry.faa.gov/N844FC

Location: Hood River, OR
Accident Number: GAA18CA236
Date & Time: 04/27/2018, 1050 PDT
Registration: N844FC
Aircraft: L-BIRD LLC CCX-2000
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Runway excursion
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Other Work Use

Analysis 

The pilot reported that, during takeoff, the experimental, amateur-built airplane encountered a right crosswind. The pilot applied right aileron and right rudder, but the airplane rolled to the left. The left wing struck the ground, and the airplane departed the left side of the runway. The left wing struck a runway light, and the airplane cartwheeled before coming to rest upright.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the engine mounts.

The METAR at the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 290° at 9 knots, gusting to 22 knots. The wind direction was reported as variable between 230° and 320°. The pilot attempted to take off from runway 25.

In the recommendation section of the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot reported that this accident could have been prevented by choosing to cancel the flight due to high-wind conditions.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's decision to take off in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of directional control.

Findings

Aircraft
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Decision making/judgment - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Gusts - Effect on operation (Cause)
Runway/taxi/approach light - Contributed to outcome

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff
Other weather encounter
Loss of control on ground
Runway excursion (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 33, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/30/2017
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/09/2016
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 1250 hours (Total, all aircraft), 7 hours (Total, this make and model), 800 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 64 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 48 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: L-BIRD LLC
Registration: N844FC
Model/Series: CCX-2000 NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2017
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: CCX-2000-0016
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/28/2017, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2000 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 62.7 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Superior/Aero Sport Power
ELT: C126 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: CC363i-1001
Registered Owner: L-BIRD LLC
Rated Power: 186 hp
Operator: L-BIRD LLC
Operating Certificate(s) Held:  Pilot School (141); Certificate of Authorization or Waiver (COA); Commuter Air Carrier (135) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: K4S2, 630 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1735 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 174°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 9 knots / 22 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 290°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.87 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 14°C / 7°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Hood River, OR (4S2)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Hood River, OR (4S2)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1050 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: KEN JERNSTEDT AIRFIELD (4S2)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 638 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 25
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3040 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude:  45.672778, -121.533889 (est)