No fatalities

30 May 2015: SMILEY JAMES E RAG WING RW-6 NO SERIES — Mocksville, NC

Mocksville, NC, United States
SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff roll, a tailwheel airplane encountered a left gust of wind, veered right off the runway. The pilot aborted then added power but lost control, impacting a building. Substantial damage occurred to left wing and fuselage.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, a tailwheel-equipped airplane was struck by a gust of wind from the left, causing the aircraft to veer to the right side of the runway. The pilot initially attempted to abort the takeoff after the airplane exited the right side of the runway, but then added power to continue the takeoff. The airplane subsequently did not respond to control inputs while the pilot attempted to turn back towards the runway, and it impacted a building.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage as a result of the collision with the building.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcomeEffect on operation