Pilot Debrief

DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC DA20-C1 near Culpeper, VA — 2025-02-15

Final reportERA25LA133
Sign in to save
Date
2025-02-15
Location
Culpeper, VA, USA
Airport
CJR
Aircraft
DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC DA20-C1
Registration
N373AM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll, resulting in a runway excursion.

NTSB narrative

Following an uneventful flight and taxi back to the runway, the student pilot reported that when he applied takeoff power, the airplane began to veer to the left. He applied right rudder, but the control input was ineffective. He then reduced the power to idle and applied both brakes, but the airplane exited the left side of the runway and came to rest in a drainage ditch. The pilot was uninjured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage. Postaccident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the flight controls, braking system, or the nose wheel that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

Related mishaps