Redding David RV9A

Full Narrative

On June 4, 2011, approximately 0830 mountain daylight time, a Redding David kit-built RV9A airplane, N514R, impacted a berm at the departure end of the runway at the Sandia Airpark Estates East Airport (1N1), Edgewood, New Mexico. The commercial pilot and passenger were not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a flight plan. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported that after rotation the airplane settled back onto the runway, at which time, he increased nose up trim. The airplane lifted off again, climbed six feet, and settled back onto the runway's displaced threshold. The airplane continued past the displaced threshold and impacted a berm, shearing the propeller, and collapsing the nose landing gear. The airplane came to rest on its nose. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector reported that the firewall was wrinkled and that there was damage to the leading edge of the right wing.

An examination of the airplane, conducted by the FAA, revealed heat damage to the left main landing gear brake assembly. The inspector reported that it appeared as if the brake was dragging. An examination of the brake system revealed plenty of hydraulic fluid and functional master cylinders. The reason for the dragging brake could not be determined.

The pilot wrote that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane or its systems prior to the accident. The pilot added that the accident could have been prevented had he applied braking sooner.