First Flight/Training Flight Results In Fatal Takeoff Accident

If you're not sure of your ability to handle a new plane or conditions, the safest bet is to get an instructor qualified in the design/circumstances, and let them acclimate you to the new situation. Usually, that would seem to be the best and safest course of action. In this case, however, a fatal accident still resulted though there is no current data in the report that determines whether the CFI was properly qualified in this aircraft. 61-year-old James F. Miller of Gretna, LA, and 42-year-old Lt. Col. Wendell Lee Collins, of Hickory, NC, lost their lives.

NTSB Identification: CEN09LA538
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, August 23, 2009 in Ama, LA
Aircraft: BROWN JOSEPH B JR RV-6, registration: N352JB
Injuries: 2 Fatal.

On August 23, 2009, approximately 1630 central daylight time, a Brown RV-6, N352JB, was substantially damaged when it impacted a tree during the takeoff roll at St. Charles Airport (LS40), Ama, Louisiana. A post impact fire ensued. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The instructional flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. The private pilot and commercial certificated flight instructor were fatally injured. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to local law enforcement, the private pilot had just recently purchased the airplane, was anxious about flying the airplane, and had elected to hire a flight instructor for familiarization. According to a witness, the airplane taxied from the hangar to the end of runway 35. The airplane remained at the departure end of the runway for several minutes consistent with performing a pretakeoff check. The airplane initiated a ground roll and shortly thereafter, veered off of the runway to the right. The witness lost sight of the airplane but observed smoke, in the vicinity of where the airplane disappeared, shortly thereafter.

According to local law enforcement, the airplane impacted a tree head on. A ground scar, consistent in width with the landing gear, departed the runway edge and extended 315 feet to the point of impact. The wreckage was recovered for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov