VANS RV8
Locust Grove, GA — April 21, 2011
Event Information
| Date | April 21, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA11CA256 |
| Event ID | 20110421X70302 |
| Location | Locust Grove, GA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 33.36555, -84.16528 |
| Airport | Mallards Landing Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | VANS |
| Model | RV8 |
| 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 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the takeoff roll.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the experimental amateur-built, tailwheel-equipped airplane stated that during the takeoff roll, at approximately 45 knots, the airplane's tail lifted off the ground and the airplane immediately turned left. The pilot attempted to correct with right rudder, brake, and aileron inputs; however, the airplane's right wing and propeller struck the ground. The pilot reduced power, and the airplane continued for approximately 150 feet before it nosed over. The airplane subsequently came to rest upright, and sustained substantial damage to the engine firewall and both wings. Postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed no mechanical anomalies of the brake system or rudder controls.
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.