No fatalities

Tailwheel Airplane Flips Over During Takeoff Roll

Bonne Terre, MO, United States

On May 16, 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.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

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

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 May 2014 SANTSCHI CHRIS A VANS RV8 UNDESIGNAT accident near Bonne Terre, MO?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 May 2014 SANTSCHI CHRIS A VANS RV8 UNDESIGNAT accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 May 2014 involved a SANTSCHI CHRIS A VANS RV8 UNDESIGNAT, operated by SANTSCHI CHRIS A, at Bonne Terre, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control on takeoff.