Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of directional control during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The private-rated pilot planned a short, personal cross-country flight. The pilot reported that, as he applied engine power for the takeoff, the airplane "snapped" left. The pilot applied right rudder to correct the turn; however, the airplane continued off the left side of the runway. The pilot reduced the throttle and mixture control but could not stop the airplane before it impacted trees. The pilot reported that the direct link bar to the tailwheel and the bolts that hold the tailwheel were broken postimpact. The pilot also reported that he had 15.5 hours in the airplane make and model with 4 hours as pilot-in-command. The accident is consistent with a loss of directional control during application of engine power for takeoff.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN16LA185 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 13, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mckinney, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Aero Country Airport (T31)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built RV 6
- N-number
- N700MJ
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.