Pilot Debrief

EVEKTOR-AEROTECHNIK AS SPORTSTAR near Porterville, CA — 2014-03-20

Final reportWPR14LA141
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Date
2014-03-20
Location
Porterville, CA, USA
Airport
PTV
Aircraft
EVEKTOR-AEROTECHNIK AS SPORTSTAR
Registration
N817EV
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot reported that, during takeoff, he felt the airplane dip right. When he reduced the throttle and applied brakes, the airplane suddenly spun left and exited the runway. A witness located adjacent to the accident site reported that he observed the airplane veer left during the takeoff, that he heard the engine power reduce, and that he observed the right main landing gear begin to "flip around" as the airplane exited the left side of the runway. Subsequently, the airplane came to rest adjacent to the runway in the opposite direction of the takeoff; the right main landing gear had separated. Postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any preaccident mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Skid marks observed on the runway were consistent with all three tires skidding left to the edge of the runway before the right main landing gear separated. Recorded weather information revealed that, about 5 minutes after the accident, the wind was about 10 degrees left of the runway heading at 6 knots.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after feeling the dip to the right.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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