Pilot Debrief

AERONCA 11AC near Flushing, MI — 2014-07-22

Final reportCEN14LA387
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Date
2014-07-22
Location
Flushing, MI, USA
Airport
3DA
Aircraft
AERONCA 11AC
Registration
N4453P
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor not having access to brake controls, which limited his ability to regain directional control at slower ground speeds.

NTSB narrative

The purpose of the flight was for the pilot receiving instruction to obtain a checkout in the tailwheel-equipped airplane. The pilot receiving instruction stated that, during the takeoff roll and before the tail became airborne, the airplane suddenly swerved right, and he was unable to correct to the left with normal flight control and brake inputs. When the pilot receiving instruction was unable to regain directional control with normal flight control inputs, the flight instructor, who did not have access to brake controls, applied additional engine power and left rudder input; however, the airplane continued to swerve right. The flight instructor subsequently reduced engine power, but the airplane continued off the right side of the runway and collided with a hangar. A postaccident airplane examination did not reveal any anomalies with the airplane's flight controls, brake system, or tailwheel assembly that would have prevented normal operation. Although the 5-knot wind was likely variable at the time of the accident, the pilot receiving instruction should have been able to maintain directional control without excessive flight control and brake inputs. Additionally, during the takeoff roll, before the flight controls became more effective at higher ground speeds, the flight instructor likely had inadequate control authority to regain directional control without access to brake controls.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff when the right swerve began.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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