CEN16LA185

Factual narrative

On May 13, 2016, about 0830 central daylight time, a kit built Vans RV-6 airplane, N700MJ, departed the runway and impacted trees during an attempted takeoff from the Aero Country Airport (T31), McKinney, Texas. The private rated pilot was not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated a private individual, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The cross country flight was originating at the time of the accident with the intended destination of Sherman, Texas. The pilot reported that he applied engine power for the takeoff, the airplane "snapped" left; he applied right rudder to counter the propeller torque. The airplane continued off the left side of the runway, so he reduced the throttle, and pulled the mixture control, but could not get the airplane stopped before the airplane impacted trees. The pilot added that the direct link bar that connected to the tailwheel and the bolts that hold the tailwheel were broken post impact. The pilot reported he had 358 total flight hours with 15.5 hours in make and model, with 4 hours as pilot-in-command. The responding Federal Aviation Administration Inspector noted the airplane had sustained substantial damage to both wings and fuselage. The private-rated pilot planned a short, personal cross-country flight. The pilot reported that, as he applied engine power for the takeoff, the airplane "snapped" left. The pilot applied right rudder to correct the turn; however, the airplane continued off the left side of the runway. The pilot reduced the throttle and mixture control but could not stop the airplane before it impacted trees. The pilot reported that the direct link bar to the tailwheel and the bolts that hold the tailwheel were broken postimpact. The pilot also reported that he had 15.5 hours in the airplane make and model with 4 hours as pilot-in-command. The accident is consistent with a loss of directional control during application of engine power for takeoff. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• — Personnel issues-Experience/knowledge-Experience/qualifications-Total experience w/ equipment-Pilot