The Luscombe 8 pilot reported that, during takeoff from a 2,400-foot private, grass airstrip in Bremen, Alabama, he was concerned he would not clear the wires at the end of the runway, and aborted the takeoff.
The airplane overran the departure end of the runway, crossed a road, and went through a barbed wire fence. It eventually come to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and wing lift strut.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About the time of the accident, the pilot estimated the wind was from 290° at 8 knots. The pilot was departing Runway 18.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s delayed decision to abort the takeoff, which resulted in a runway overrun, impact with a fence, and a nose-over.
This April 2019 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Do people normally T.O. down wind in under powered airplanes?