N234VAVANS AIRCRAFT INC RV-122017-06-20 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
None

VANS AIRCRAFT INC RV-12S/N: S12008

Summary

On June 20, 2017, a Vans Aircraft INC RV-12 (N234VA) was involved in an incident near Eugene, OR. 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 student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.

According to the flight school director, the student pilot was conducting stop-and-go landings during a solo flight. He added that the student pilot reported that during takeoff, the airplane began to "fishtail," the student pilot reduced power, but the airplane continued to the left, exited the runway, and impacted a taxiway sign.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The flight school director reported that, according to the student pilot there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA358. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N234VA.

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
NTSB Number
GAA17CA358
Location
Eugene, OR
Event ID
20170620X05420
Coordinates
44.121665, -123.215835
Nearest Airport
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
VANS AIRCRAFT INC
Serial Number
S12008
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2013
Model / ICAO
RV-12RV12
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
LANE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Address
4000 E 30TH AVE
Status
Deregistered
City
EUGENE
State / Zip Code
OR 97405-0640
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the flight school director, the student pilot was conducting stop-and-go landings during a solo flight. He added that the student pilot reported that during takeoff, the airplane began to "fishtail," the student pilot reduced power, but the airplane continued to the left, exited the runway, and impacted a taxiway sign.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The flight school director reported that, according to the student pilot there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane 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# GAA17CA358