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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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May 19, 2020 · Rhoads Larry E Sopwith Baby · N41LR

Lee'S Summit, MO

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 19, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Lee'S Summit, MO
Aircraft
Rhoads Larry E Sopwith Baby (2019)
Tail Number
N41LR
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN20CA184

The pilot departed on the airplane's initial test flight in a tailwheel-equipped biplane. At the speed when the tailwheel lifted from the runway, the airplane began an uncommanded left roll. The pilot attempted to arrest the roll moment but was unsuccessful. He aborted the takeoff but lost control of the airplane as it settled down in a crab. The airplane exited the side of the runway and resulted in the failure of the left landing gear, and subsequent nose over of the airplane. The lower left wing sustained substantial damage. The airplane builder conducted a post-accident examination and reported that the right wing had a different "angle-of-attack" then the other wings, due to a construction error. This difference likely resulted in the uncommanded left roll during takeoff. This rolling tendency was not detected during the previous four high-speed taxi tests..

NTSB Probable Cause

The airplane builder's improper installation of the lower right wing which resulted in an uncommanded left roll and the subsequent loss of control.

Full Narrative

The pilot departed on the airplane's initial test flight in a tailwheel-equipped biplane. At the speed when the tailwheel lifted from the runway, the airplane began an uncommanded left roll. The pilot attempted to arrest the roll moment but was unsuccessful. He aborted the takeoff but lost control of the airplane as it settled down in a crab. The airplane exited the side of the runway and resulted in the failure of the left landing gear, and subsequent nose over of the airplane. The lower left wing sustained substantial damage. The airplane builder conducted a post-accident examination and reported that the right wing had a different "angle-of-attack" then the other wings, due to a construction error. This difference likely resulted in the uncommanded left roll during takeoff. This rolling tendency was not detected during the previous four high-speed taxi tests..

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:45 CDT
Nearest AirportLee'S Summit Muni (0nm WNW)
Runway36
Runway Length5501 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRhoads Larry E Sopwith Baby
Tail NumberN41LR
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotec · 3600 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 72 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 52
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time21:53

Appendix: Source Data