On February 21, 2000, a Cohen VAN'S RV-6 (registration N264JC) was involved in an aviation accident near Camarillo, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft during a crosswind takeoff, which resulted in a collision with the terrain and a runway light. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During touch-and-go landings, the pilot became distracted by a bird and a wind gust caused the airplane to veer off the runway. After takeoff, a wind-induced bank led to a wingtip impact with terrain and collision with a runway light, damaging both wings and the propeller.
Accident Sequence
The pilot was performing touch-and-go landings. He completed a normal approach and landing. While preparing to increase power for takeoff, he became distracted by a bird that passed by the right side of the canopy. A wind gust then caused the airplane to veer off the runway centerline. The pilot took off, and the airplane remained low and slow. As he entered a slight bank to the right, the wind lifted the left wing, causing a greater angle of bank. The pilot was not able to correct the situation.
Impact and Damage
The right wingtip impacted the terrain, and the airplane collided with a runway light. The accident resulted in damage to the propeller and both wings.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that he had not experienced any mechanical malfunction with the airplane prior to the accident.