Pilot Debrief

ELEMDORF 1002 near Rexburg, ID — 2014-04-29

Final reportWPR14CA178
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Date
2014-04-29
Location
Rexburg, ID, USA
Airport
KRXE
Aircraft
ELEMDORF 1002
Registration
C-FOWD
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control and early rotation during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the pilots to exercise adequate communication techniques.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that he was in the left seat and a pilot rated passenger, who was a certified flight instructor (CFI), was in the right seat. The flight instructor stated that his seat was positioned aft such that he could not reach the rudder pedals. The pilot positioned the airplane on runway 35 for takeoff and said that he rotated a little bit early (70 knots) during the takeoff roll but it was manageable. The flight instructor stated that the airplane swerved left and right before the pilot rotated. The flight instructor called out to bring the throttle back, and described the remaining portion of the flight as porpoising. Both pilots reported that there was confusion in the cockpit. A witness said that he observed the airplane rotate early, enter a steep nose high attitude, and then begin to settle while the elevator was moving up and down erratically. After skidding for 497 feet the airplane went off the end of the runway and into brush causing substantial damage to some fuselage bulkheads and the right wing spar. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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