Stroup Robert RV-6 N58BD

Summary

On 5 April 2010 at about 22:44 local time, a Stroup Robert RV-6 registered N58BD, operated by Carter David C, was involved in an accident near Muleshoe, Texas, United States. 2 people were on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

5 April 2010 at 22:44

Classification

Accident

Location

Muleshoe, Texas, United States

Nearest airport

Muleshoe Muni (2T1)

Coordinates

34.1850, -102.6411

Aircraft

Stroup Robert RV-6

Registration

N58BD

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Carter David C

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Muleshoe Muni → Temple

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN10CA192

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in strong, gusting winds.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot lined up the airplane along the centerline of runway 25 and noted that the winds would be a "strong quartering left headwind/crosswind." Shortly after commencing the takeoff roll the airplane's tailwheel lifted off the ground and the airplane began to veer left as the airplane weathervaned about 20 degrees to the left of the runway heading. The pilot elected not to abort the takeoff and attempted to correct back to the runway heading. As the airplane approached the edge of the 60-foot-wide runway it became airborne. Control of the airplane was lost and the airplane pitched up and rolled right. The roll continued until the airplane was inverted, at which time the nose dropped and the airplane impacted the runway inverted and skidded 20 feet off the right side of the runway. A review of photos provided by the pilot and first responders revealed substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. There were no reported anomalies with the airframe or engine prior to impact. At the time of the accident weather in the vicinity of the airport was winds from 220 degrees at 20 knots gusting to 27 knots.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.