On March 18, 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
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 18 Mar 2016 BARNES THOMAS A VANS RV 6 accident near Bolingbrook, IL?
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.
Were there any fatalities in the 18 Mar 2016 BARNES THOMAS A VANS RV 6 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Mar 2016 involved a BARNES THOMAS A VANS RV 6, at Bolingbrook, IL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain direction control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in runway excursion, collision with terrain, and nose over.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…