NTSB Factual Report

On May 21, 2005, approximately 0830 mountain daylight time, a Hepperlen RV-8, N25MH, piloted by an airline transport pilot, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while departing Animas Airpark, Durango, Colorado. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot reported no injuries. The cross-country flight was originating at the time of the accident and was en route to Beatrice (BIE), Nebraska.

The pilot notified the National Transportation Safety Board of this accident on July 21, 2005. According to the accident report form submitted by the pilot, he had serviced the airplane brakes prior to departure. He stated that during the departure roll, his left foot slipped off of the rudder pedal, possibly due to hydraulic fluid on the floor. The pilot stated that he attempted to put his foot back on the rudder pedal; however, the "bottom of the instrument panel" contacted his thigh and prevented him from doing so. He reduced the power and the airplane departed the runway to the right impacting a hill. He stated that the left landing gear assembly was bent aft and had pushed the gearbox housing into the fuselage. The left side of the fuselage was wrinkled. The pilot reported no anomalies with any of the airplane systems.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the ground roll.