N277E

Substantial
Minor

Vans VANS RV-12S/N: 120206

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, April 14, 2019
NTSB Number
GAA19CA217
Location
Wall, SD
Event ID
20190423X25154
Coordinates
43.999443, -102.254722
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper decision to depart from a slush-covered runway, which resulted in a loss of directional control, a runway excursion, and a subsequent nose-over.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N277E
Make
VANS
Serial Number
120206
Year Built
2014
Model / ICAO
VANS RV-12

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
6000 DOUGLAS DR N
Status
Deregistered
City
CRYSTAL
State / Zip Code
MN 55429-2314
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during takeoff on a snow and slush covered runway, he decided to stay on the right half of the runway. He added that, as the airplane began to rotate and the nose landing gear was off the runway, the left main landing gear encountered some slush. The airplane veered to the left about 15°, exited the runway to the left, and the nose landing gear collapsed.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.

The pilot reported that 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# GAA19CA217