Amateur-built VANS RV-6 N589M accident near Mckinney, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot did not maintain control of the airplane during takeoff, which resulted in a ground collision with airport construction materials.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the tailwheel-equipped airplane started to veer to the left as he started the takeoff roll. He brought the tail up and applied a “little” right rudder. The airplane continued to veer to the left, the pilot applied full right rudder, and the airplane hit the edge of the runway. The pilot continued the takeoff with full power, but it became apparent that the airplane did not have enough airspeed for liftoff. He reduced the throttle to idle, but the airplane hit a construction flag barrier pole and concrete drainage pipes that were being installed between the new and existing runways. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA201 for the full record.