NTSB Factual Report

On June 11, 2003, at 1130 eastern daylight time, a Steven Ayers experimental RV-6A, N221SA, owned and operated by the private pilot landed off the runway and flipped over during an aborted takeoff at Malcolm McKinnon Airport, St. Simons Island, Georgia. The personal flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR part 91 and instrument flight rules. Visual weather conditions prevailed and an IFR flight plan was filed. The pilot received minor injuries and the experimental airplane was substantially damaged. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot, the right control stick was secured with the passenger seat belt, acting as a gust lock. The pilot stated that he took off without removing the seat belt from the control stick. When the airplane pitched up, it veered to the left side of the runway, the pilot reduced engine power, landed off the left side of the runway and flipped inverted. No mechanical or flight control malfunctions were reported by the pilot prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection that resulted in his failure to remove the seatbelt (flight control gust lock) from the right side flight control stick.