# NTSB CHI05CA184: Hirsch RV-6A, N125WH, Oshkosh, WI, July 14, 2005 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: July 14, 2005, 07:00 local (12:00 UTC) - Place: Oshkosh, WI - Coordinates: 44.062778, -88.55722 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.0628&lon=-88.5572&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report June 28, 2006 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA-Milwaukee FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 62019 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI05CA184 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/62019/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05CA184 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff. Contributing factors were the uneven (rough) runway surface and the fence. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - uneven (contributing factor) - terrain condition - ground - On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run - object - fence (contributing factor) ## Analysis The amateur-built airplane was substantially damaged during takeoff when it departed the turf runway and impacted a fence. The pilot reported that he initiated a short field takeoff. Approximately 100 feet into the takeoff roll the airplane encountered "bumps" in the runway surface. He stated that after traveling another 100 feet, the airplane was "propelled 5-6 feet into the air" but that it did not have sufficient airspeed to maintain flight at that time. He stated that as the airplane settled back onto the runway, it began to "porpoise over the next several ridges" for a distance of approximately 100 feet. The pilot reported: "At that time the aircraft suddenly veered left and I pulled the throttle to idle. It went into the high grass along the runway and struck the fence with the left wing." The airplane subsequently ground looped and came to rest. ## Factual narrative On July 14, 2005, at 0700 central daylight time, an amateur-built Hirsch RV6A, N125WH, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it departed the runway surface and impacted a fence while attempting to takeoff from runway 36 (2,200 feet by 50 feet, turf) at Gallinger Airport (51WI), Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The personal flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot reported minor injuries. The intended destination was Wittman Regional Airport (OSH), Oshkosh, Wisconsin, located 5 nautical miles south of 51WI. In the pilot's written statement, he reported that he initiated a short field takeoff. He noted that approximately 100 feet into the takeoff roll the airplane encountered "bumps" in the runway surface. He stated that after traveling another 100 feet, the airplane was "propelled 5-6 feet into the air" but that it did not have sufficient airspeed to maintain flight at that time. He stated that as the airplane settled back onto the runway, it began to "porpoise over the next several ridges" for a distance of approximately 100 feet. The pilot reported: "At that time the aircraft suddenly veered left and I pulled the throttle to idle. It went into the high grass along the runway and struck the fence with the left wing." The airplane subsequently ground looped and came to rest. The pilot reported no failures or malfunctions associated with the airplane prior to the accident. Winds recorded at OSH at 0653 were from 020 degrees at 11 knots. ## Aircraft - Registration: N125WH (not matched to a registry record) - Reported make and model: Hirsch RV-6A - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 23556 - Airframe hours: 557.5 - Engines: Lycoming O-360-A1A 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, June 1, 2005, 20.8 hours before - Departed: 51WI, Oshkosh, WI - Destination: OSH, Oshkosh, WI - Airport: 51WI, Gallinger, runway 36, 2,200 × 50 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 55; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review February 1, 2005; seat: left; flight hours: 797 total, 38 in this make and model, 723 as pilot in command, 65 in the last 90 days, 25 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 20° at 11 knots - Visibility: 8 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 66 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: OSH, 5 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20050714033879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20050714033879A), Jul 14, 2005: Amtr RV6A, Oshkosh, WI, Substantial damage. (-23) During take-off on grass bumpy runway aircraft hit bump and became airborne at a slow speed. Aircraft began porpoising and veered hard left and hit a… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.