Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The student pilot's maneuver to the left to avoid striking birds during takeoff and his subsequent loss of directional control after aborting the takeoff and landing on soft, muddy grass adjacent to the runway during, which resulted in a nose-over.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The student pilot reported that, during takeoff, a flock of birds crossed the runway from the right. He tried to climb and turn the airplane to the left to avoid striking the birds, but some of the birds continued in front of the airplane. The airplane drifted beyond the left side of the runway 10 to 15 feet above the grass. He aborted the takeoff, landed on the soft grass adjacent to the runway, and the airplane nosed over.
The student pilot further reported that, "the grass was so muddy that [it was] very hard to control the plane," and "too much friction made my airplane flip over."
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The student pilot 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# GAA19CA413