Harry Crosby (Vans) RV-6 N16CX

Summary

On 18 May 2021 at about 21:00 local time, a Harry Crosby (Vans) RV-6 registered N16CX, operated by Harry L. Crosby, was involved in an accident near Byron, California, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

18 May 2021 at 21:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Byron, California, United States

Nearest airport

Byron (C83)

Coordinates

37.8284, -121.6258

Aircraft

Harry Crosby (Vans) RV-6

Registration

N16CX

Category

Airplane

Year built

2004

Engines

1

Operator

Harry L. Crosby

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → Livermore

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR21LA199

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff while operating in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent collision with terrain.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the takeoff roll, the wind was variable and gusting from the left. He initiated the takeoff roll and applied left aileron and right rudder pedal pressure. The tailwheel lifted from the ground about 40 knots ground speed and the airplane veered to the left. Subsequently the pilot applied full right rudder and simultaneously applied full left aileron, but the airplane exited the left side of the runway. The pilot continued the takeoff roll as he believed that the airplane would start to climb. However, the airplane collided with a drainage culvert located about 25 ft from the left side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing spar and ribs. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations. The METAR located at the accident airport reported that about the time of the accident, the wind direction was from 230° with a velocity of 20 knots and gusting to 25 knots. The pilot was departing from runway 23.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.