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Pilot Distracted by Bird, Wind Gust Leads to Runway Excursion and Wingtip Strike (N264JC)

Camarillo, CA, US

On February 21, 2000, a Cohen VAN'S RV-6 (registration N264JC) was involved in an aviation accident near Camarillo, CA. No fatalities were reported. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Feb 2000 Cohen VAN'S RV-6 accident near Camarillo, CA?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Feb 2000 Cohen VAN'S RV-6 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Feb 2000 involved a Cohen VAN'S RV-6, registration N264JC, at Camarillo, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20520. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.