Amateur-built RANS S-16 N116GD accident near Los Lunas, New Mexico

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the experimental amateur-built airplane reported that he was performing a "test flight" and had previously accumulated about 2 hours of total flight time with the airplane. He added that, during the takeoff roll, the airplane veered to the left, and he responded by applying right rudder and aft pitch to rotate the airplane. He added that, as the airplane lifted off the runway, the airplane continued to the left and impacted weeds and a ditch.

The elevator, wings, and right aileron sustained substantial damage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA407 for the full record.