Summary
On April 14, 2019, a Vans VANS RV-12 (N277E) was involved in an accident near Wall, SD. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury, with 1 person uninjured out of 2 aboard. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: 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.
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.
This accident is documented in NTSB report GAA19CA217. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N277E.
Accident Details
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
Registered Owner (Historical)
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