Pilot Debrief

GERALD DONOVAN RANS S-16 near Los Lunas, NM — 2017-07-12

Final reportGAA17CA407
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Date
2017-07-12
Location
Los Lunas, NM, USA
Airport
E98
Aircraft
GERALD DONOVAN RANS S-16
Registration
N116GD
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the experimental amateur-built airplane reported that he was performing a "test flight" and had previously accumulated about 2 hours of total flight time with the airplane. He added that, during the takeoff roll, the airplane veered to the left, and he responded by applying right rudder and aft pitch to rotate the airplane. He added that, as the airplane lifted off the runway, the airplane continued to the left and impacted weeds and a ditch. The elevator, wings, and right aileron sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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