On 16 May 2014, a SANTSCHI CHRIS A VANS RV8 UNDESIGNAT operated by SANTSCHI CHRIS A was involved in an aviation accident near Bonne Terre, MO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control on takeoff. This summary draws on records from NTSB.
A tailwheel-equipped airplane veered off the runway during takeoff, struck a wing, and flipped over, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot reported no mechanical issues.
Incident Overview
A private pilot reported that during the takeoff roll in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, the tail was lifted off the ground when the airplane was approximately 50 feet down the runway. Shortly thereafter, the airplane made a sudden turn to the left and veered off the runway.
Sequence of Events
The left wing struck the ground, causing the airplane to flip over. The accident resulted in substantial damage to both wings, the vertical stabilizer, and an engine mount.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that the wind was blowing at about 5 knots directly down the runway and that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane or the engine.
Contributing factors
PilotPerformance/control parameters — Not attained/maintained