Summary
On August 24, 2006, a Gordon Vans RV-6 (N442E) was involved in an incident near Erie, CO. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident was the crosswind.
According to the pilot, he encountered a gust of wind during the takeoff roll from runway 15 (4,700 feet by 60 feet, concrete). The airplane departed the runway to the right and impacted terrain. According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the airplane, both the left and right wing spars were bent aft, the left main landing gear separated and the empennage was wrinkled. An examination of the airplane's systems revealed no anomalies. According to the routine aviation weather report (METAR) recorded at Jefferson County Airport, located 7 miles southwest of Erie, the winds were 070 degrees at 8 knots. The pilot estimated the winds to be 080 degrees at 8 knots, gusting to 12 knots.
This incident is documented in NTSB report DEN06CA117. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N442E.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident was the crosswind.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
According to the pilot, he encountered a gust of wind during the takeoff roll from runway 15 (4,700 feet by 60 feet, concrete). The airplane departed the runway to the right and impacted terrain. According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the airplane, both the left and right wing spars were bent aft, the left main landing gear separated and the empennage was wrinkled. An examination of the airplane's systems revealed no anomalies. According to the routine aviation weather report (METAR) recorded at Jefferson County Airport, located 7 miles southwest of Erie, the winds were 070 degrees at 8 knots. The pilot estimated the winds to be 080 degrees at 8 knots, gusting to 12 knots.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DEN06CA117