N24DE

Substantial
None

Vans RV 3S/N: 1

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, April 23, 2020
NTSB Number
CEN20CA155
Location
Independence, IA
Event ID
20200423X21852
Coordinates
42.456943, -91.947776
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a high-speed taxi with a quartering tailwind, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a fence and terrain.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N24DE
Make
VANS
Serial Number
1
Model / ICAO
RV 3

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
HUNT THERESA A
Address
424 SHERIDAN RD
Status
Deregistered
City
WATERLOO
State / Zip Code
IA 50701-4026
Country
United States

Analysis

The commercial pilot practiced taxing the airplane for about a ½ hour before he attempted a takeoff and landing. After landing, he decided to practice a runway "speed up and down" to become more comfortable with engine settings. During the first "runup", he applied "very light throttle input," but the engine increased in power "very fast." The airplane made a sudden left turn, and the left wing dropped close to the ground at a speed of about 35 - 40 mph. The pilot was unable to regain control of the airplane with applications of right rudder and changes of engine power. The airplane veered off the runway, up an incline, struck the airport perimeter fence, and impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. A quartering tailwind prevailed at the time of the accident. There were no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal airplane 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# CEN20CA155