N143MA

Substantial
None

DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC DA 20S/N: C0243

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, May 13, 2018
NTSB Number
GAA18CA282
Location
LaGrange, GA
Event ID
20180517X95944
Coordinates
33.009166, -85.069725
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The student pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control during a soft-field takeoff.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC
Serial Number
C0243
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2003
Model / ICAO
DA 20BU20
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
DA20-C1

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
LARKAIR LLC
Address
8861 LARK LN
City
FORT WAYNE
State / Zip Code
IN 46815-5803
Country
United States

Analysis

The flight instructor reported that, during a soft field takeoff, the student kept the stick back and allowed the nose of the airplane to come up. The airplane drifted to the left and he reminded the student to apply right rudder and right aileron. He added that it seemed like the student applied too much right aileron and the right wing was close to dragging on the runway. The flight instructor prepared to take the flight controls and the student overcorrected to the left and the left wing impacted the ground. The flight instructor took control of the airplane, reduced power, and taxied to park without further incident.

The student pilot reported that, during a soft field takeoff, about 30 to 35 knots, the airplane lifted off the ground and encountered a crosswind that rolled the airplane to the right. The right wing dragged on the ground, he rolled the airplane to the left, and the left wing impacted the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left aileron.

The chief flight instructor of the school reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA282