Vans RV 3
Independence, IA — April 23, 2020
Event Information
| Date | April 23, 2020 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN20CA155 |
| Event ID | 20200423X21852 |
| Location | Independence, IA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 42.45694, -91.94778 |
| Airport | Independence Municipal Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Vans |
| Model | RV 3 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a high-speed taxi with a quartering tailwind, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a fence and terrain.
Full Narrative
The commercial pilot practiced taxing the airplane for about a ½ hour before he attempted a takeoff and landing. After landing, he decided to practice a runway "speed up and down" to become more comfortable with engine settings. During the first "runup", he applied "very light throttle input," but the engine increased in power "very fast." The airplane made a sudden left turn, and the left wing dropped close to the ground at a speed of about 35 - 40 mph. The pilot was unable to regain control of the airplane with applications of right rudder and changes of engine power. The airplane veered off the runway, up an incline, struck the airport perimeter fence, and impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. A quartering tailwind prevailed at the time of the accident. There were no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal airplane operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.