Summary
On April 23, 2020, a Vans RV 3 (N24DE) was involved in an incident near Independence, IA. 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 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.
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.
This incident is documented in NTSB report CEN20CA155. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N24DE.
Accident Details
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
Registered Owner (Historical)
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