What happened
On August 23, 2009, a Brown RV-6, registration N352JB, was involved in a fatal accident during a takeoff roll at St. Charles Airport (LS40) in Ama, Louisiana. The flight was an instructional session being conducted under Part 91 regulations.
According to a witness, the aircraft taxied to the end of runway 35 and remained stationary for several minutes, which was consistent with performing pre-takeoff checks. As the aircraft initiated its takeoff roll, it veered to the left, departing the runway. A ground scar consistent with the width of the landing gear extended 315 feet from the runway edge to the point of impact. The aircraft struck a tree head-on, resulting in a post-impact fire.
The private pilot and the flight instructor sustained 2 fatal injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage of the N352JB and found the forward fuselage, including the cabin, canopy, and instrument panel, had been charred and partially consumed by fire. The engine cowling and both wings also showed significant damage from heat and fire.
Mechanical examinations of the following components were conducted:
- Rudder cables: The right rudder cable was continuous, though it had been cut for recovery purposes. The left rudder cable separated from the forward portion. Laboratory analysis of the rudder cable showed no evidence of preexisting defects, with separation signatures consistent with an overload event.
- Elevator: The push/pull tube was continuous, with separation points consistent with fire exposure.
An examination of the engine and related systems revealed no anomalies that would have affected the takeoff performance.