Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of airplane control during takeoff following an encounter with a gust of wind.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported during takeoff he felt no wind and the windsock at the end of the runway showed no wind. As the main wheels lifted off the runway, he felt a hard wind gust that turned the airplane left. The pilot continued to feel turbulence and the airplane’s nose subsequently hit the ground and the airplane slid sideways to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. 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 WPR22LA179 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 14, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Deming, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Deming Muni (DMN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
RV8
- N-number
- N669RS
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2008
- 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.