Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was anxious about flying the airplane and had elected to hire a flight instructor for further training. According to a witness, the airplane taxied from the hangar to the end of the runway. The airplane remained at the departure end of the runway for several minutes consistent with performing a before-takeoff check. The airplane initiated a takeoff roll and shortly thereafter veered off of the runway to the left. The airplane then struck several trees head on and was immediately engulfed in flames. An examination of the airplane, engine, and related systems revealed no anomalies that would have affected the takeoff.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09LA538 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 23, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ama, Louisiana
- Nearest airport
- St. Charles Airport (LS40)
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built RV-6
- N-number
- N352JB
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.