On 18 Mar 2016, a BARNES THOMAS A VANS RV 6 was involved in an aviation accident near Bolingbrook, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain direction control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in runway excursion, collision with terrain, and nose over. This summary draws on records from NTSB.
During takeoff, a tailwheel airplane veered left off the runway, down an embankment, and nosed over, causing substantial empennage damage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures.
Accident Sequence
During the takeoff roll, the tailwheel-equipped airplane abruptly turned approximately 25 degrees to the left. The pilot responded by reducing engine power to idle and applying right rudder. However, the pilot reported overcorrecting to the right, prompting a subsequent application of left rudder. This sequence of corrections resulted in the airplane veering off the left side of the runway, descending an embankment, and nosing over.
Damage
The nosed-over attitude caused substantial damage to the empennage.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained