Culpepper, VA, USA
N696SH
Vans VANS ACFT RV 6
The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll, the airplane encountered a wind gust, so she added more aileron input to counteract it, but the "gust died down." The airplane then fishtailed, so she attempted to abort the takeoff by reducing power and applying brakes, but the airplane veered right. Despite applying brakes to stop the veer, the left wing settled to the ground, and the airplane came to a stop at the side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing aft spar and engine mounts. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the takeoff roll, she added more aileron input to counteract a wind gust but just as quickly, the "crosswind died off." The airplane fishtailed so she aborted the takeoff and applied brakes, but the airplane veered right and ground looped. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing aft spar and engine mounts. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 5 minutes prior to the accident, the wind was from 310° at 9 knots, gusting 17 knots. The airplane departed on runway 04.
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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