Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of directional control during takeoff with a tailwind, which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during the takeoff with a tailwind and just before reaching rotation speed, the tailwheel-equipped airplane suddenly veered left and exited the runway surface. Despite the pilot's corrective inputs, the left wing impacted terrain, and the airplane nosed over in a ravine adjacent to the runway. Postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13LA351 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 31, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- San Manuel, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- San Manuel (E77)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built RV4
- N-number
- N70AC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2000
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.