Accident Details
On September 19, 2020, at 0945 mountain daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Vans RV-4 airplane, registration N250LB, was substantially damaged when it crashed near Clovis, New Mexico. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Account
The pilot, interviewed about a month after the accident due to his injuries, stated that he planned a normal departure from an airport he frequently used. Shortly after takeoff, during the initial climb, he received a phone call on his mobile phone, which was on the floor by his feet. He was momentarily distracted as he looked down to see the caller's name on the phone. About two seconds later, he looked outside the cockpit and found the airplane inverted. He immediately rolled the airplane upright and level just before the wheels touched the ground. He could not recall any further events. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions.
Witness Account
A witness observed the airplane begin a ground roll to the south, into the wind. The airplane lifted off about midfield and immediately transitioned to a climb. At about 100 ft above ground level, the airplane rolled to the right until it was inverted, then disappeared from the witness's view. The witness reported that the engine sounded smooth and continuous during the flight.
Damage
The airplane came to rest inverted about 800 ft beyond the departure runway end. Photographs provided by the witness showed substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.