RANS S 12XL near Sharpsville, IN — 2015-06-03

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a collision with a building.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while taking off from his private airstrip, a gust of wind "hit" his airplane. He corrected for the gust, but when the gust stopped he was unable to correct "quick enough" to keep the airplane in line with the runway. The airplane struck the pilot's barn roof which resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation

NTSB coding

• Loss of control in flight · Takeoff
• Loss of Control on Takeoff/Initial Climb

Evidence available

• Photos
• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Photo 1 - Airplane From Rear (Photo Courtesy of Pilot)photos

Related mishaps

• CESSNA 170B

  2026-07-10 · Hartwell, GA

• CASSUTT IIIM

  2026-07-05 · Odessa, TX

• CESSNA 172H

  2026-05-25 · Berryville, AR

• COMMANDER AIRCRAFT CO 114TC

  2026-05-23 · Woodruff, WI

• BELL 206-L4

  2026-05-23 · Cedar City, UT

• CESSNA 172S

  2026-05-18 · Harrison, NY