GALLOWAY/WARD RV-4
Redwood Falls, MN — May 3, 2012
Event Information
| Date | May 3, 2012 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN12CA278 |
| Event ID | 20120507X30606 |
| Location | Redwood Falls, MN |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 44.54139, -95.07584 |
| Airport | Redwood Falls Municipal |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | GALLOWAY/WARD |
| Model | RV-4 |
| 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 control of the airplane during takeoff in gusty wind conditions.
Full Narrative
The airplane encountered a wind gust on takeoff, which lifted the right wing and caused the airplane to roll left. The airplane then lifted off the ground about 2-3 feet and the pilot tried to abort the takeoff. The airplane touched down on the left landing gear as it was drifting to the left, and the gear collapsed. Then, the right landing gear collapsed and the left wing struck a runway light as it exited the side of the runway. The pilot said the firewall, left wing spar, and an engine mount were damaged. The pilot reported there were no mechanical anomalies with the airframe or engine. He also stated that he should have been more aware of the possibility of sudden wind gusts and wind shear during takeoff.
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.