Amateur-built RV-6A N134CE accident near Westfield, Indiana

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane after takeoff.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that after takeoff he noticed the airplane being pushed to the left side of the runway by the wind. He started to correct then noticed that the right wing was getting close to the ground. The pilot stated that there were no problems with the airplane prior to that point. He did not recall any subsequent events. The airplane came to rest inverted about 1,000 feet from the departure end of runway 36. Examination of the accident site found a 45-foot-long ground scar from the initial point of impact leading to the accident airplane. Examination of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preaccident mechanical malfunction or failure. The local weather observation indicated that a left crosswind of 8 knots or less existed at the time of the accident takeoff. The pilot later stated that he believed he inadvertently stalled the airplane on takeoff.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA540 for the full record.