Pilot Debrief

STRIBLING RV4 near San Manuel, AZ — 2013-07-31

Final reportWPR13LA351
Sign in to save
Date
2013-07-31
Location
San Manuel, AZ, USA
Airport
E77
Aircraft
STRIBLING RV4
Registration
N70AC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of directional control during takeoff with a tailwind, which resulted in a runway excursion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during the takeoff with a tailwind and just before reaching rotation speed, the tailwheel-equipped airplane suddenly veered left and exited the runway surface. Despite the pilot's corrective inputs, the left wing impacted terrain, and the airplane nosed over in a ravine adjacent to the runway. Postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked stabilizer trim before takeoff to ensure proper setting.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

Related mishaps