RON DUPAS COLLECTION
No. 1059. Culver LFA Cadet (N34783 c/n 239)
Photographed at Reid-Hillsview Airport, California, USA, December 1969, by Ron Dupas

Culver LFA Cadet

Manufactured in 1941.

From NTSB Accident Report:

Accident occurred Friday, June 02, 2000 at Moab, Utah
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

The pilot was taking off on runway 21. As he raised the tail for lift off (about 50 mph, 80 kmh), the airplane 'abruptly swerved to left (90°), [departed] the runway, crossed a dirt border about 6 feet wide, flipped on its back, and slid down to the bottom of a drainage ditch between the runway and the adjacent taxiway.'

The pilot said the airplane was equipped with Goodyear 'expanded tube' brakes, known to lock up if overheated (brakes were used for landing and for taxi to take off). An airport mechanic attempted to turn the left main wheel by hand shortly after the accident, and found the wheel to be binding. The right wheel turned freely. Later, he tried again and the wheel turned freely.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows. Overheating of the left brake, causing the wheel to lock. Factors were the pilot not being able to maintain directional control, a dirt berm, and a drainage ditch.


Created November 23, 2001