30 May 2015: SMILEY JAMES E RAG WING RW-6 NO SERIES

30 May 2015: SMILEY JAMES E RAG WING RW-6 NO SERIES — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Mocksville, NC, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a building.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, the tailwheel equipped airplane encountered a gust a wind from the left, and veered to the right side of the runway. The pilot 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 did not respond to control inputs while attempting to turn back towards the runway, and impacted a building. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Directional control — Not attained/maintained
  • Contributed to outcome
  • Effect on operation

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 160/03kt, vis 10sm

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