On May 30, 2015, a SMILEY JAMES E RAG WING RW-6 NO SERIES was involved in an aviation accident near Mocksville, NC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a building. This summary draws on records from NTSB.
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
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