Accident Details
On June 16, 2014, at approximately 0900 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Bailey Moyes Dragonfly, registration N286A, collided with terrain following a loss of aircraft control during takeoff at Melfa, Virginia (MFV). The commercial pilot was not injured, and one passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 as a local personal flight in day visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, he was preparing to depart with a passenger to observe upper air conditions before commencing glider operations. After performing engine checks, he initiated the takeoff roll on runway 3. As soon as the airplane lifted off, it banked sharply to the left and impacted the edge of the runway in a slightly nose-down, left banking attitude. Opposite flight control inputs had no effect. The pilot reported that wind conditions were variable at less than 4 knots.
Investigation
An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. Structural damage to the right wing and fuselage was confirmed. Scrapes were noted on the surfaces of the left wing. An attachment tube for the right aileron was broken, and the inspector retained the section that did not remain attached to the aileron. The inspector also reported that the passenger did not have hearing protection, so the pilot initiated the takeoff with about 2/3 of full power applied.
Both broken aileron tube sections were subsequently examined by the NTSB investigator-in-charge. The fracture surfaces showed no evidence of corrosion or fatigue. The tube was bent at the location of the fracture with signatures of overstress. The fracture surface was clean with 45-degree shear lips present.
Pilot's Statement
The pilot later submitted the required NTSB Form 6120.1, Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, and reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure associated with the accident.