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Tailwheel Airplane Veers Left During Takeoff, Hits Construction Barriers

McKinney, TX, United States

On March 24, 2012, a JOY AVIATION LTD VANS RV-6 operated by Michael D Butler and Judith K Butler was involved in an aviation accident near McKinney, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot did not maintain control of the airplane during takeoff, which resulted in a ground collision with airport construction materials. This summary draws on records from NTSB.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff roll, a tailwheel-equipped airplane veered left, struck construction flag barrier poles and concrete drainage pipes, resulting in substantial wing damage. No mechanical malfunction was reported.

Event Description

A pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, a tailwheel-equipped airplane began to veer to the left. The pilot brought the tail up and applied a “little” right rudder. Despite this, the airplane continued to veer left, prompting the pilot to apply full right rudder. The airplane subsequently hit the edge of the runway.

Pilot Actions

The pilot kept full power in until it became apparent that the airplane did not have enough airspeed for liftoff. The pilot then pulled the throttle to idle, but the airplane struck a construction flag barrier pole and concrete drainage pipes. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure of the airplane.

Damage

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the wings of the airplane.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Mar 2012 JOY AVIATION LTD VANS RV-6 accident near McKinney, TX?

During takeoff roll, a tailwheel-equipped airplane veered left, struck construction flag barrier poles and concrete drainage pipes, resulting in substantial wing damage. No mechanical malfunction was reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Mar 2012 JOY AVIATION LTD VANS RV-6 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Mar 2012 involved a JOY AVIATION LTD VANS RV-6, operated by Michael D Butler and Judith K Butler, at McKinney, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot did not maintain control of the airplane during takeoff, which resulted in a ground collision with airport construction materials.

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