Aircraft: Zenair LTD CH 2000. Injuries: None. Location: Warrenton, Va. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The flight instructor and student pilot, who was the owner of the airplane, were practicing simulated engine out/aborted takeoff procedures.
The student completed one aborted takeoff without incident. During a second attempt he over-rotated and the airplane climbed to an altitude of about 20 feet. He applied full engine power and attempted to land on the runway, but did not reduce the engine power to idle when instructed.
The CFI attempted to take control of the airplane, but the student pilot did not relinquish the controls in a timely manner. Still under full power, the airplane veered to the left. The CFI applied right rudder and brakes, but was not able to regain control of the aircraft before it went off the left side of the runway and into a runway sign.
Probable cause: The student pilot’s failure to follow instruction and to relinquish control of the airplane to the flight instructor in a timely manner, which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB Identification: ERA12CA213
This February 2012 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
