Pilot Debrief

Vans VANS RV-12 near Wall, SD — 2019-04-14

Final reportGAA19CA217
Sign in to save
Date
2019-04-14
Location
Wall, SD, USA
Airport
6V4
Aircraft
Vans VANS RV-12
Registration
N277E
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to depart from a slush-covered runway, which resulted in a loss of directional control, a runway excursion, and a subsequent nose-over.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during takeoff from a snow- and slush-covered runway, he decided to stay on the right half of the runway. He added that, as the airplane began to rotate and the nose landing gear lifted off the runway, the left main landing gear encountered some slush. The airplane veered left about 15° and exited the runway to the left, the nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane then nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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

Related mishaps