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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

June 28, 1997 · Sloan RV-6 · N626BA

Muscle Shoals, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 28, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Muscle Shoals, AL
Aircraft
Sloan RV-6
Tail Number
N626BA
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA97LA199

The pilot stated before takeoff, he noted bales of hay located along both sides of the takeoff area. He began the takeoff roll on the backside of a small hill. As the airplane came over the top, the pilot realized the airplane's heading was too far to the left. Full right rudder did not correct the situation. The pilot pulled back on the yoke, the airplane became airborne, and the left wing collided with a hay bale.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to see-and-avoid the bales of hay duirng the takeoff roll, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a bale at liftoff and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.

Full Narrative

On June 28, 1997, about 1015 central daylight time, a Sloan RV-6 experimental airplane, N626BA, registered to a private owner, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, crashed while on takeoff roll from a private strip near Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged. The commercial-rated pilot reported no injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated, before the takeoff roll, he noted bales of hay located along both sides of the takeoff area. The pilot began the takeoff roll on the backside of a small slope. As the airplane came over the top of the slope, the pilot realized the airplane was heading into obstacles and that he had 3 to 5 seconds to react before a collision with a hay bale would occur. Full right rudder did not correct the situation. The pilot pulled back on the yoke, the airplane became airborne, the left wing collided with the bale of hay, and spun around 180 degrees before impacting the terrain.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:15 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway36
Runway Length1500 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSloan RV-6
Tail NumberN626BA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E3D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 68 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 6 kt
Visibility9 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time14:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data