Pilot Debrief

NEW KOLB AIRCRAFT CO LLC KOLB FLYER SS near Lutz, FL — 2020-07-11

Final reportERA20CA244
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Date
2020-07-11
Location
Lutz, FL, USA
Airport
X39
Aircraft
NEW KOLB AIRCRAFT CO LLC KOLB FLYER SS
Registration
N38KF
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The flight instructor’s failure to maintain control of the airplane following an unannounced transfer of flight control during takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The purpose of the flight was to prepare the student pilot for a solo cross-country flight. After taxiing to the end of the runway, the flight instructor told the student to perform a short field takeoff. The student pilot described that there was a crowd at the airport café, and that the flight instructor stated, “let’s show them what aviation is all about.” The student pilot said that the takeoff roll was normal, and as he pulled back on the flight control stick and began to pitch for a best climb attitude, the airplane struggled to fly. The student pilot then felt back pressure on the control stick and noted that the flight instructor was pulling the stick back more but had not initiated a positive transfer of controls. The airplane then veered to the left, the flight instructor pitched the nose down, and the airplane struck a berm off the left side of the runway before it “cartwheeled” twice and came to rest. During the accident sequence the airplane’s left wing and empennage were substantially damaged. The student pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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