The flight instructor was providing aircraft transition training and tailwheel training to the pilot in the Kitfox.
The pilot taxied to the runway at the airport in Carson City, Nevada, and successfully completed three high-speed takeoff rolls. He then taxied into position for a normal takeoff, and the pilot requested that the flight instructor stay on the controls during the takeoff.
The instructor reported that during takeoff with the pilot-receiving-instruction on the controls, as the airplane started to climb, it drifted to the right and settled back to the ground.
The instructor applied left rudder and attempted to continue the takeoff, but the right main landing gear hit a drainage culvert. The airplane spun to the right and came to rest upright.
The airplane sustained substantial damage fuselage.
Both pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause: The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
NTSB Identification: GAA18CA125
This February 2018 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.
The NTSB’s report and/or probable cause has no comments about the aircraft settling back to the ground. Wouldn’t that be the most critical issue? Why did that happen?
Carson is a training airport. Very busy with student traffic. Many highly qualified instructors on the field. Tailwheel transition training is not easy and given the aging pilot populations those attempting it are usually older and less agile than the kids. I betcha this student was older.
According to the NTSB he was 45 years old….
Just wondering what a “high speed takeoff roll” is?
Apparently a practice takeoff roll aborting just before lift off speed. From the pilot report:
“We then did 3 high-speed, full-length taxi runs on Runway 27, repeatedly reaching just short of full lift off and then slowing.”
I hope that CFI tickets are not being handed out the way Doctors seem to be handing out handicapped certification.
You mean the 95% that also have orders to get more exercise?🤣