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April 23, 2020 · Vans RV 3 Undesignat · N24DE

Independence, IA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 23, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Independence, IA
Aircraft
Vans RV 3 Undesignat (1979)
Tail Number
N24DE
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN20CA155

The pilot practiced taxiing the airplane for about 1/2 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 power increased "very fast." The airplane suddenly turned left, and the left wing dropped close to the ground with the airplane between about 35 and 40 mph. The pilot applied right rudder and changed the engine power but was unable to gain control of the airplane. The airplane veered left off the runway, went 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.

NTSB Probable Cause

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.

Full Narrative

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.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:25 CDT
Nearest AirportIndependence Municipal Airport (0nm E)
Runway36
Runway Length5500 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftVans RV 3 Undesignat
Tail NumberN24DE
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-290-D-2 · Reciprocating · 135
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 50
Altimeter29.68 inHg
Observation Time14:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data