NTSB Factual Report

On May 14, 2016, at 1310 eastern daylight time, a Globe GC-1B, N78193, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while attempting to depart from Green Landings Airport (WV22), Hedgesville, West Virginia. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual in accordance with Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated that he conducted a run up and taxied to the grass strip runway for takeoff. He said that the takeoff was uneventful and during climbout all engine indications appeared normal. When the airplane reached 100 feet above the ground, he said that it banked sharply to the left and he attempted to level the wings but was unsuccessful. The nose of the airplane pitched down and collided with the ground.

A witness reported that he watched the airplane perform a run up prior to takeoff. He noticed the runway windsock was indicating gusty winds and a slight quartering tailwind. As the airplane began its takeoff roll it drifted to the left of the centerline and rotated. The engine was at full power and the airplane was at a high pitch as it began climbing rapidly. The witness observed a rapid aileron input and the airplane "stalled."

Initial examination of the airplane by a West Virginia State Trooper revealed that it came to rest in the front yard of a residence. Both wings were buckled and the horizontal stabilizers were broken away from the empennage. The airplane was recovered from the accident site and retained for further examination.