Amateur-built RV 8A N918KS accident near Farmington, Missouri

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff in crosswind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The airline transport pilot reported that all indications were normal during takeoff in the experimental amateur-built airplane. The airplane accelerated normally and became airborne, then the left wing raised, which the pilot assumed was the result of the left crosswind conditions. He applied a correction to the left; however, he overcorrected and the airplane entered a steep left bank. After regaining control of the airplane, the pilot noted that the airplane was about 60° from the runway heading, and he thought that the airplane was too low to correct back to runway heading. The pilot reduced power to land on airport property; however, the terrain was rough and the left wing sustained substantial damage during the landing. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN17LA061 for the full record.