14 Jun 2019: Vans VANS ACFT RV 6 Undesignat

14 Jun 2019: Vans VANS ACFT RV 6 Undesignat — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Culpepper, VA, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the takeoff roll, she added more aileron input to counteract a wind gust but just as quickly, the "crosswind died off." The airplane fishtailed so she aborted the takeoff and applied brakes, but the airplane veered right and ground looped.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing aft spar and engine mounts.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 5 minutes prior to the accident, the wind was from 310° at 9 knots, gusting 17 knots. The airplane departed on runway 04.

Contributing factors

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

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 310/09kt, vis 10sm

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