Amateur-built WAIEX-B accident near Stratford, Connecticut, September 10, 2024
On September 10, 2024 at about 8:12 pm local time, a 2020 amateur-built WAIEX-B, registered N371WB, was substantially damaged in an accident during takeoff near Stratford, Connecticut (Bridgeport/Sikorsky airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). No one was hurt; 1 person was on board or involved. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The pilot’s failure to maintain direction control of the airplane during a takeoff in crosswind conditions.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- September 10, 2024 · about 8:12 pm local time
- Place
- Stratford, Connecticut · Bridgeport/Sikorsky · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- No one was hurt; 1 person was on board or involved.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Amateur-built WAIEX-B, built 2020
- Registration
- N371WB · registry record · serial WXB0037
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The pilot reported that he had received an automated weather briefing prior to taxiing that detailed that a quartering right headwind gusting up to 16 knots would prevail for the takeoff. As he turned onto the runway and began to apply full power for takeoff, there was a “strong crosswind from the right,” and the airplane turned into the wind. The pilot applied full left rudder input but could not keep the airplane aligned with the runway centerline. Shortly after, he reduced the engine power to idle and applied full brakes, but the wind continued to push the airplane to the right. He reported that the tailwheel was also skidding down the pavement surface even with the elevator “full back.” The airplane contacted a taxiway sign on the right edge of the runway, substantially damaging the right wing. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Loss of control on ground during takeoff defining event
- Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during takeoff
The NTSB's findings
- Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability › Performance/control parameters › Directional control › Not attained/maintained
- Personnel issues › Task performance › Use of equip/info › Aircraft control › Pilot
- Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena › Wind › Crosswind › Response/compensation
Pilot
- Certificate: private
- Ratings: single-engine land; instrument: airplane
- Flight time: 386.8 hours in all; 212.7 in this make and model; 3.6 in the last 90 days; 2.8 in the last 30 days; 325.4 as pilot in command
- Last flight review: January 12, 2024
- Medical certificate: Sport Pilot
- Seat: left
- Injury: no injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 212.6 hours
- Last inspection: condition inspection, August 4, 2024; 4 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 1,150 lb
- Seats: 2
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Aeroconver AEROVEE 2.1 T (piston); 213 hours total
The flight
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 29, 4,759 ft by 150 ft
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 340° at 10 knots, gusting 16
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 79°F (26°C), dew point 45°F (7°C)
- Altimeter: 30.05 inHg
- Observation at 3:52 pm from BDR
Weather report (METAR): KBDR 101952Z 34010G16KT 10SM CLR 26/07 A3005 RMK AO2 SLP177 T02560072
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Photographs from the investigation 3 pictures from the NTSB's docket, as the NTSB released them
Photograph 1 – Airplane Overview
Photograph 2 – View of Right Wing Damage
Photograph 3 – View of Right Wing DamageThe NTSB's photographs with the NTSB's captions, at screen size. Open a picture to see it full size or to report one that should not be shown.
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
2 documents, released by the NTSB on January 21, 2025. View them here, or download them; the NTSB redacts some personal details before release, and this site shows the NTSB's own titles rather than its file names.
| # | Document | What it is | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pilot/operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 | PDF, 10 pages | View Download |
| 2 | Investigative Photographs | PDF, 4 pages · our copy | View Download |
The same docket at the NTSB · documents without a copy here are fetched from the NTSB when you open them.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.