3 May 2012: GALLOWAY/WARD RV-4 — STEGMAIER ANN C

3 May 2012: GALLOWAY/WARD RV-4 — STEGMAIER ANN C

No fatalities • Redwood Falls, MN, United States

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff in gusty wind conditions.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The airplane encountered a wind gust on takeoff, which lifted the right wing and caused the airplane to roll left. The airplane then lifted off the ground about 2-3 feet and the pilot tried to abort the takeoff. The airplane touched down on the left landing gear as it was drifting to the left, and the gear collapsed. Then, the right landing gear collapsed and the left wing struck a runway light as it exited the side of the runway. The pilot said the firewall, left wing spar, and an engine mount were damaged. The pilot reported there were no mechanical anomalies with the airframe or engine. He also stated that he should have been more aware of the possibility of sudden wind gusts and wind shear during takeoff.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Performance/control parameters — Not attained/maintained
  • Response/compensation

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 020/08kt, vis 10sm

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