Pilot Debrief

SPARKS RALPH A RV8 near Deming, NM — 2022-05-14

Final reportWPR22LA179
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Date
2022-05-14
Location
Deming, NM, USA
Airport
DMN
Aircraft
SPARKS RALPH A RV8
Registration
N669RS
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of airplane control during takeoff following an encounter with a gust of wind.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported during takeoff he felt no wind and the windsock at the end of the runway showed no wind. As the main wheels lifted off the runway, he felt a hard wind gust that turned the airplane left. The pilot continued to feel turbulence and the airplane’s nose subsequently hit the ground and the airplane slid sideways to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. 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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