On 12 Oct 2019, a LLEWELLYN, WARWINC W Vans RV-4 150 was involved in an aviation accident near Lusby, MD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain lateral control during takeoff, which resulted in impact with terrain and a subsequent cartwheel. This summary draws on records from NTSB.
A tailwheel-equipped airplane drifted right after rotation, striking the runway and terrain before cartwheeling into grass adjacent the runway. Substantial damage to fuselage and both wings. No preaccident mechanical issues reported.
Event Description
During takeoff in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, the pilot reported that shortly after rotation, the right wing dropped and the airplane began to drift to the right. The right wing subsequently struck the runway surface. Following the wing strike, the nose and left wing impacted the terrain. The airplane then cartwheeled and came to rest in the grass adjacent to the runway.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings as a result of the accident sequence.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Information
An automated weather observation station located 4 miles south of the airport reported wind from 200° at 3 knots around the time of the accident. The airplane was departing from runway 31.
Contributing factors
Lateral/bank control — Not attained/maintainedPilot