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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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August 11, 2012 · James H Berard RV-6A · N134CE

Westfield, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 11, 2012
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Westfield, IN
Aircraft
James H Berard RV-6A
Tail Number
N134CE
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12LA540

The pilot reported that after takeoff he noticed the airplane being pushed to the left side of the runway by the wind. He started to correct then noticed that the right wing was getting close to the ground. The pilot stated that there were no problems with the airplane prior to that point. He did not recall any subsequent events. The airplane came to rest inverted about 1,000 feet from the departure end of runway 36. Examination of the accident site found a 45-foot-long ground scar from the initial point of impact leading to the accident airplane. Examination of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preaccident mechanical malfunction or failure. The local weather observation indicated that a left crosswind of 8 knots or less existed at the time of the accident takeoff. The pilot later stated that he believed he inadvertently stalled the airplane on takeoff.

NTSB Probable Cause

Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C

Full Narrative

On August 11, 2012, about 1330 eastern daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built Berard RV-6A, N134CE, impacted terrain after takeoff from Westfield Airport (I72), Westfield, Indiana. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and vertical stabilizer. The aircraft was registered to and operated by the owner/builder under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not operated on a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that after takeoff, the wind caused the airplane to drift toward one side of the runway. He started to correct, but then noticed that the right wing was getting close to the ground. He did not recall any subsequent events. The pilot reported that there were no problems with the airplane prior to that point in time. In his report, the pilot noted that he believes he inadvertently stalled the airplane. A postaccident examination conducted by Federal Aviation Administration inspectors revealed left wingtip damage was consistent with initial ground contact by the left wing. A ground impact mark about 45 feet long was observed leading to the accident site. The airplane came to rest inverted about 1,000 feet from the departure end of runway 36. Flight and engine control continuity were confirmed. No anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction were observed. Between 1235 and 1335, the recorded wind condition at the Indianapolis Executive Airport (TYQ), located about 4 miles west of the accident site, varied from 260 degrees to 300 degrees at 5 to 8 knots. The pilot held a sport pilot certificate with a single-engine land airplane endorsement. Individuals holding sport pilot certificates may operate light sport aircraft within the limitations of the regulations. The accident airplane was being operated on an experimental category, special airworthiness certificate, and not a light sport airplane airworthiness certificate. The accident airplane did not meet FAA requirements to be operated as a light sport airplane because the gross weight exceeded 1,320 pounds. The pilot reported a maximum gross weight of 1,600 pounds. The pilot reportedly acknowledged to FAA inspectors that he was aware that the accident airplane did not qualify as a light sport airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 EDT
Nearest AirportWestfield (1nm)
Runway36
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftJames H Berard RV-6A
Tail NumberN134CE
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2C · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 64 · Sprt · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter29.98 inHg
Observation Time17:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data