The student pilot stated that immediately after becoming airborne from the airport in Kamiah, Idaho, the Cessna 152 began to bank to the left.
Despite her attempts to regain directional control by applying right rudder and forward pressure on the control yoke, the airplane continued to bank to the left and hit a powerline, which resulted in substantial damage to the airframe.
The airplane came to rest in a field and the powerline was found near the wreckage.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as the student pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during the initial climb, which resulted in a collision with a powerline.
NTSB Identification: WPR13CA323
This July 2013 accident report is are provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Here is a tip I learned from a ATP retired friend…
First do your weight and balance and check the owners manual for runway needed on a grass strip with relative winds and temperature. The short field takeoff may be called for as well as a little “less left rudder” .
You will drift more to your right but the plane will climb better. Read what your VX and VY limits are during your preflight.
If you are off the ground head directly into the wind.
What score did she revive on her airmen’s written exam?
Right aileron input and right rudder, but you know if you are already drifting off the runway maybe the wire was the reason for the continued left bank, as they get heavier the longer time you are dragging them.
Notice to the words “Student Pilot”. If the CFI has bad judgment and allowed her to fly before she was ready, then that might be a clue as well. We need to think outside the box and pay attention to the details.
You don’t normally correct an undesired left bank with right rudder.
I find it odd that it doesn’t say right aileron was used.
Perhaps the pilot just did not input right aileron to correct the left bank?
Just doesn’t make sense.
Sounds like the pilot implemented classic stall recovery technique
It is hot in Idaho in July so density altitude could have been a factor (e.g. departure stall after trying to force the plane into the air).
Lucky she didn’t end up in the river. Hope she doesn’t quit flying.
Sounds like a mechanical problem to me
If that were the case it is likely the NTSB would have noted a mechanical issue in their report.