Summary
On April 30, 2015, a William D Durkee RV-6 (N91WD) was involved in an incident near Tunica, MS. All 2 people 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.
During the takeoff roll on runway 35, the pilot stated he encountered a gust of wind that moved the tail of the tailwheel equipped airplane to the right. The airplane veered left and the pilot attempted to correct with right rudder but stated he did not apply enough. The right main landing gear collapsed during the event and the airplane departed the left side of the runway into the grass. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. Winds reported on the field near the time of the accident were 10 knots from 280 degrees.
The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA15CA056. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N91WD.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
During the takeoff roll on runway 35, the pilot stated he encountered a gust of wind that moved the tail of the tailwheel equipped airplane to the right. The airplane veered left and the pilot attempted to correct with right rudder but stated he did not apply enough. The right main landing gear collapsed during the event and the airplane departed the left side of the runway into the grass. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. Winds reported on the field near the time of the accident were 10 knots from 280 degrees.
The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA15CA056