20200725010649A

On Saturday July 25, 2020 at approximately 1147 MDT, a vans RV-6 experimental aircraft with 2 persons aboard departed a private grass runway near Imperial Nebraska heading approximately 330 degrees. The aircraft began a left bank to the wnw nearly immediately after liftoff from the runway at an altitude of approximately 10 feet AGL. Shortly after beginning the turn the aircraft descended into a corn field and impacted the ground in level flight approximately 150 feet to the left of the runway edge and approximately 700 feet from the departure end of the runway. The pilot stated that he had flown the aircraft on two previous flights that morning without incident. The aircraft was not refueled prior to the accident flight and had an estimated 15 gallons of 100LL fuel on board at departure. Weight and balance calculations indicated the aircraft was loaded within allowable limits. Fuel was verified in both wing tanks after impact, and no evidence of contamination was apparent after examination. Fuel flow from the left wing tank to the engine compartment was confirmed post impact. Both blades of the two blade wooden propeller had fractured and were found at or near the impact site. Ground scarring, and soil evidence on the propeller fragments indicated the aircraft propeller was likely rotating and the engine was producing power at impact.

The pilot stated that the grass runway was damp, and the aircraft did not accelerate as quickly as he anticipated, though he did not recall any indications that the engine was not producing rated power for the conditions at takeoff, and could not recall any unusual engine sound or loss of RPM prior to impact. The grass runway was approximately 3600 feet long with standing corn on either side of the runway approximately 6 feet tall, a single power line at the northwest end, and a field elevation of approximately 3650 feel MSL. The pilot later stated that he did start the takeoff roll approximately 100-200 feet from the arrival end of the runway. The pilot stated to the NTSB that he rotated the aircraft prior to vx. The pilot stated he began an immediate left bank to increase distance to the power line and allow him time to climb above it.

Weather conditions were recorded by AWOS at the the Imperial airport (iml), approximately 9 miles north of the impact point at time of the accident. These conditions included calm winds, 10SM visibility with clear skies and temperature/dew point of 30/19 celsius, and altimeter 29.99 in hg.

Density altitude calculated for the conditions revealed a density altitude of approximately 6400 MSL. Post impact inspection identified the shoulder harnesses for both occupants were rolled up and secured. The pilot stated that they were not used. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, the passenger sustained serious injuries, and the pilot sustained minor injuries. The passenger was transported by air for immediate medical attention, while the pilot was evaluated and released from a local hospital.