Aviat Aircraft Inc A-1B N80HY accident near Centennial, Colorado

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control and the certified flight instructor's delay in remedial action.

NTSB analysis

The certified flight instructor (CFI) and private pilot student were conducting tailwheel certification training. During the third flight of the day, after practicing 3-point landings, the student pilot was performing an additional 3-point landing after having just practiced main wheel landings. The CFI described the pattern and approach as being normal. During the roll out and while slowing the airplane down, it began to drift left. The CFI called for right rudder and the airplane began drifting right of centerline. After calling for left rudder the CFI attempted to regain control using rudder and power. The airplane entered a violent turn to the left, exited the runway, and flipped over going down an embankment. The right wing spar and horizontal stabilizer were bent.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA366 for the full record.