NTSB Factual Report

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.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff. Contributing factors were the uneven (rough) runway surface and the fence.